
Class. 

Book 

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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE 
WAR TIME ACTIVITIES 



A REPORT 
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

OF 

THE MOTHER CHURCH 

BY 

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE 
WAR RELIEF COMMITTEE 



PUBLISHED BY 

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PUBLISHING SOCIETY 
BOSTON -U-S-A 



-\p 



1 



■ 



COPYMGHT, 1922, BY 
THE CHMSTIAN SCIENCE PUBLISHING SOCIETY 



PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 



JUN 16.1922 

©CI.A677191 



BELOVED STUDENTS, loyal laborers are 
ye that have wrought valiantly, and achieved 
great guerdons in the vineyard of our Lord; but 
a mighty victory is yet to be won, a great freedom 
for the race; and Christian success is under arms, 
— with armor on, not laid down. ' ' 

MARY BAKER EDDY, 

Miscellaneous Writings, page 120. 



VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS REPORT 
HAVE BEEN MADE BY 

R. LILLIAN BROCK 
AGNES F. CHALMERS 
EDWARD W. DICKEY 
CAROLINE GETTY 
MARTIN F. JACKSON 
ARTHUR W. MARRIOTT, 2d 
EARL McCLOUD 
RALPH E. PARKER 
LUCY HAYS REYNOLDS 
EDWARD L. RIPLEY 
EDITH S. STEARNS 
MABEL S. THOMSON 
MARGARET S. S. WHYTE 



ROSTER OF STATE WAR RELIEF COM- 
MITTEES TO WHOM GRATEFUL 
ACKNOWLEDGMENT IS HERE- 
BY EXTENDED 

State Chairman 

Alabama Mrs. E. T. Foster 

Arizona Mr. P. F. Magenheimer 

Arkansas Mr. Sidney M. Brooks 

Northern California . . . Mr. Arthur F. Fosbery 
Southern California .... Mr. C. Edwin Pierce 

Colorado Mr. John G. Kerr 

Connecticut Mr. M. N. Mayehoff 

Delaware . Mr. Norman E. John 

District of Columbia Mr. Philip King 

Florida Mr. John H. Williams 

Georgia Mr. Frank W. Burr 

Idaho Mr. B. W. Oppenheim 

Illinois Mr. Jacob S. Shield 

Indiana Mr. S. T. Downs 

Iowa Mr. J. Latimer Davis 

Kansas Mr. O. T. Cropper 

Kentucky Mrs. Hiram P. Roberts 

Louisiana Mr. A. J. Chapman 

Maine Mr. Albert H. Conant 

Maryland . Mr. W. H. Jennings 

Massachusetts Mr. I. Pierce Sewell 

Michigan Mr. A. H. Hulscher 

Minnesota Mr. C. H. Dennison 

Mississippi Mrs. Lilian Galarneau 

Missouri Mr. W. A. Hinchman 

9 



WAR RELIEF COMMITTEES 

State Chairman 

Montana Mr. Richard H. Smith 

Nebraska Mr. Lester B. McCoun 

Nevada Miss Elizabeth Smith 

New Hampshire Mr. Daniel E. Bridgman 

New Jersey Mr. Harry B. Fowler 

New York Mr. B. F. Bailey 

North and South Carolina . . Mr. E. Guggenheim 

North Dakota Mr. E. LaRue 

Ohio Mr. D. S. Humphrey 

Oklahoma Mr. Charles Mitschrich 

Oregon Mrs. Ada B. Gage 

Pennsylvania Mr. John F. Braun 

Rhode Island ...... Mrs. May D. Robertson 

Tennessee Mr. S. D. Cole 

Texas Mr. Fred W. Indermille 

Utah Mr. Warwick A. Tyler 

Vermont Mr. E. H. Russell 

Virginia Mr. Walter H. Miles 

Washington Mr. C. Macklem 

West Virginia Mr. W. K. Frederick 

Wisconsin Mr. Ross K. Decew 

Wyoming Mrs. Emma J. Umshler 

CANADA 

British Columbia . . . . Mrs. E. Jewel Robinson 

Manitoba Mr. D. S. Robb 

Nova Scotia Major H. B. Stairs 

Ontario . . . . .... Mr. J. Edgar Fielding 

FOREIGN 

Panama Mrs. Lettie M. St. Clair 

Haw ah Mrs. Edith Love 

Great Britain .... Mr. A. G. Maxtone-Graham 



10 



CONTENTS 





Introduction 


13 


I. 


Beginnings .... 


20 


II. 


Hands Across the Sea . 


29 


III. 


Helping Halifax .... 


61 


IV. 


Christian Science Camp Welfare Com- 






mittee: ..... 


74 




In Camp and Training Station . 


79 




Daily Deeds .... 


87 




"Quiet Resting Places" . 


101 




"Our Only Preachers" . 


117 




"He Sent His Word" . 


133 




With the Forces Afloat . 


144 


V. 


With the A. E. F. in France . 


157 


VI. 


England's Answer to the Call 


211 


VII. 


A Unique Committee . 


249 


VIII. 


Timely Recognition 


296 


IX. 


Financial Statement 


323 


X. 


Unselfish Labor Richly Rewarded . 


381 



11 



INTRODUCTION 

The fine spirit of cooperation shown by Christian 
Scientists everywhere in the carrying on of the va- 
rious war time activities of our denomination, and 
their unbounded interest in and enthusiasm for the 
work in all its phases, has produced far-reaching re- 
sults. These being yet, in point of time, so close to the 
events themselves, however, it is difficult for one to 
form a just and impartial estimate of their impor- 
tance. It has not been possible heretofore to present in 
a complete and orderly sequence the steps which, dur- 
ing the nearly five years that have marked the world's 
great unrest, were taken by the Christian Science 
Church to aid, both in spiritual and material ways, 
those whose lives were affected in varying degrees by 
the fortunes of war. The time has now come, however, 
when it is not alone possible but most desirable to sub- 
mit to the Christian Science field a full report of the 
war work undertaken by the movement. 

In preparing this report the aim has been to pro- 
duce an accurate historical record of achievements, 
which will at all times be well balanced and which will 
not, for obvious reasons, unduly enlarge upon any 
single phase of the work. Covering the years 1914- 
1919, years of unwonted activity, there has naturally 
been a great wealth of material from which to select, 
all of it valuable and important. Thus the chief task 
has been the elimination of a great quantity of subject- 
matter equal in all respects to that included. The plan 

13 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

therefore, has been to deal broadly with the whole sub- 
ject and yet to introduce here and there, in detail, 
typical instances which serve to illustrate specifically 
the more important lines of activity followed in the 
United States and abroad, especially where these 
serve to illuminate the metaphysical purpose which 
lay behind all the Committee's efforts, and to give 
the results obtained by the application of divine law 
as taught in Christian Science, to all the varied and 
complex problems presented. 

A War Relief Committee was appointed by the 
Christian Science Board of Directors of The Mother 
Church in 1914. In 1917 a Camp Welfare Committee 
was also appointed by the same authority. These were 
merged in 1918 and subsequently the words "Camp 
Welfare" were omitted from the title. It is this Com- 
mittee which submits the following report, in which 
is included the story of the efforts and achievements 
of others as well, for the many war time activities of 
Christian Scientists, working singly and in groups all 
over the world since the autumn of 1914, have been so 
closely interwoven that it is impossible to tell the story 
properly otherwise. Noteworthy instances of these 
exceptions will be found in the chapters "Helping 
Halifax," "A Unique Committee" and "Timely 
Recognition." 

The fall of 1914 witnessed the establishment of the 
War Relief Fund of The Mother Church. The Com- 
forts Forwarding Committee began its work in the 
latter part of 1917 and early in December of the 
same year, the Halifax Relief Committee made its 
notable trip to Nova Scotia. The first army chap- 
lain was appointed at almost the same time, this 
appointment being followed at short intervals by 

14 



INTRODUCTION 

others, until ten were serving in the army and navy. 
The War Relief Committee for Great Britain and 
Ireland originally appointed in 1914 was enlarged in 
scope in 1918 by the Christian Science Board of 
Directors, who at that time selected three persons to 
carry on the larger work planned. Though in no sense 
under the direction of the American Committee, the 
work in the United Kingdom was modeled largely 
after that in the United States and was an extension 
of the work established in 1915 and the years follow- 
ing at Chatham, Dover, Alder shot, Bedford and 
Colchester by the united churches of the London dis- 
trict, in Ripon by the churches of Yorkshire, and in 
Edinburgh and Dublin and Newcastle by the local 
churches interested. 

Even to a group of people so accustomed as are 
Christian Scientists to seeing the so-called impossible 
accomplished, the progress of the work of this Com- 
mittee during the late months of 1917 and the earlier 
ones of 1918 was astonishing. The rapid and success- 
ful building of the organization which cared so satis- 
factorily for the work in the American and British 
training camps, and served so remarkably well both 
the American and the British Expeditionary Forces 
in France and elsewhere, was the result of genuine 
and sustained teamwork, a unified effort which was 
unselfish and generous beyond praise. This support, 
always extended in a whole-hearted and unquestion- 
ing manner by those at home, was undoubtedly the 
chief explanation of the splendid results obtained. 
With such backing, success was inevitable. 

As individual Christian Scientists, living in far 
corners of the world, unorganized groups scattered 
here and there, societies and churches, large and small, 

15 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

had responded to the opportunity to aid the war suf- 
ferers, when it was first presented to them in 1914, so 
they eagerly answered the call made in November, 
1917, to extend this work. Thus within a period of 
sixty days, the entire Christian Science movement in 
the United States was completely organized and in a 
large measure at work, along lines which we shall fully 
cover. This report would be incomplete without a 
full recognition of the invaluable assistance rendered 
by State Committees and their corresponding sub- 
committees located in every town and city where a 
Christian Science Church or Society existed. On 
these committees more than two thousand persons 
served voluntarily and without compensation. The 
service rendered was highly important and nearly 
always entailed large contributions of time and effort. 
In fact it was the framework of the structure which, 
when put to the test, as it was on many occasions, 
proved staunch and strong at all points, and able to 
respond quickly and effectively to all calls made 
upon it. 

There were employed by these Committees on No- 
vember 11, 1918, more than two hundred persons 
serving, some as Camp Workers, others as Welfare 
Room attendants, and a few in other important 
capacities. These persons devoted their full time to 
the work, often lived in the camps and were subject 
to transfer without notice. The policy of the Board of 
Directors, in the matter of compensation paid the sal- 
aried workers, was generous and in every case enabled 
them to carry on their work free from financial anxi- 
ety. The body of the report will bear rich and varied 
testimony as to the high character and value of the 
work performed by these men and women. In camp 

16 



INTRODUCTION 

and hospital, at home and in foreign lands, working 
under strange and oftentimes most difficult conditions, 
they proved worthy of the high responsibility reposed 
in them. 

At the time of the greatest activity, there were in 
operation in the United States, Canada, England and 
France, something over one hundred Welfare rooms, 
tents and buildings. Some of these are pictured in the 
pages of this report. These photographs indicate the 
care and thought given to this important branch of 
the work. In our own buildings and equipment, in- 
cluding some additional tents and rooms elsewhere, 
the Committee had invested upward of $150,000. 
Equipment has been disposed of advantageously, in 
many instances at better than sixty per cent of its cost. 
Of the buildings erected in or near camps, it is hoped 
that at least two will become the permanent church 
homes of groups of Christian Scientists in those locali- 
ties. The gift of another has been asked by a local hos- 
pital for a free clinic. Two have reverted to the owners 
of the land on which they were located according to 
provisions in the original leases. Several others are 
still to be disposed of. Of all the Committee's assets 
at the time of its demobilization, the buildings were 
perhaps in the main the most difficult to realize upon. 
Considerably better than fifty per cent was secured 
from the sale of automobiles which at one time repre- 
sented an investment of in excess of $40,000. Of the 
two boats owned by the Committee, both have been 
sold at advantageous prices. In these as in other mat- 
ters, great credit must be given to the State Commit- 
tees, who not only invested the funds in the first in- 
stance but who faithfully conserved and disposed of 
the assets when the work was concluded. The most 

17 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

important thing done by the Committee was, of 
course, the distribution of the Christian Science text- 
book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scrip- 
tures," by Mary Baker Eddy. In the neighborhood of 
forty thousand copies were distributed without cost 
to the recipient. At the same time large quantities of 
Bibles were also given out and during the year 1918 
more than six million copies of the Monitor were dis- 
tributed. These figures alone speak volumes for the 
activity and tireless energy of the workers to whom 
fell the bulk of the distribution work involved. 

Great praise is due the splendid workers in the 
United Kingdom for the way in which they started 
the work in the earlier years of the war and ex- 
panded it from year to year despite formidable obsta- 
cles. American readers will especially appreciate the 
story of the work there as presented in this report 
by the Committee for Great Britain and Ireland. 
The Trustees under Mrs. Eddy's Will aided the 
English work substantially in its earlier days through 
the purchase of literature for distribution. 

The story of the work in France is quite out of the 
ordinary and for that and other reasons will strongly 
appeal to all Christian Scientists. While the workers 
selected for the service had many extremely interest- 
ing and unusual experiences, it should be remembered 
that they had not a few unusual burdens to bear, since 
conditions in France in 1918 were in many respects 
difficult and trying. 

The administration of the fund in foreign lands 
deserves the warmest commendation. Concerning this 
work as carried on in England, France and Italy, the 
report will be quite complete. Less, however, can be 
related of that done in Holland, Denmark and Swit- 

18 



INTRODUCTION 

zerland, for the reason that personal contact with 
these countries during the latter years of the war was 
most difficult and information is only now slowly 
filtering in. In these places, however, devoted Scien- 
tists have been administering the funds of the Com- 
mittee wisely and helpfully and doing great good. 

The information contained in the section of the 
report devoted to Finance is most gratifying and indi- 
cates that many willing hands make any task a light 
and joyous one, and the stories of personal expe- 
riences in the concluding section will make us all glad. 

These various and widely separated activities are 
brought together in this report and, as far as possible, 
correlated and arranged so that each section fits into 
the story chronologically, 



19 



I 

BEGINNINGS 

When the" fires of conflict were first kindled in 
August, 1914, it took some months for the enlightened 
nations of the earth to awaken to the fact that a gigan- 
tic struggle for human liberty had been forced upon 
them. Christian Scientists, however, though at first 
but faintly, perceived the true nature of the problem 
which the world was vainly trying to solve through a 
dependence upon human means and methods. They 
became more and more convinced that it was impos- 
sible to maintain an attitude of neutrality towards the 
world war for the reason that only those nations which 
had some understanding of Principle, as revealed 
in Christian Science, were adequately armed and 
equipped to carry a righteous cause to a victorious 
conclusion. Until the American nation as a whole 
attained to some realization of this fact, Christian 
Scientists in that country were obliged to work more 
or less as individuals, but the constant desire to help 
in the solution of the world problem crystallized itself 
in the establishment of the War Relief Fund by the 
Board of Directors of The Mother Church, and 
accordingly the following announcement appeared in 
the Christian Science Sentinel of October 24, 1914 : 

A RELIEF FUND 

"The many Christian Scientists who have desired to con- 
tribute to the relief of those of our people who are enduring 

21 



BEGINNINGS 

the hardships which war entails, will welcome the oppor- 
tunity afforded by the following letter, a copy of which has 
been mailed to all branch churches and societies in the United 
States : 

" 'To the Christian Science Churches and Societies in the 
United States. 

" 'Dear Friends : 

" 'This Board has been informed that, as a consequence of 
the war in Europe, Christian Scientists in the countries 
affected are in great distress. As a means of relieving this 
distress, The Mother Church will take a collection at both of 
its services on Sunday, October 25. If your organization 
should desire to take similar action this Board will be glad to 
forward to reliable committees of Christian Scientists what- 
ever amounts you may send for this purpose. 

" 'Remittances may be sent to Adam H. Dickey, Treasurer, 
103 Falmouth Street, Boston, Massachusetts. 

" 'Very sincerely, 

" 'The Christian Science Board of Directors. 
" 'By John V. Dittemore, Secretary.' " 

In the fall of that year a member of the Board of 
Lectureship was called to undertake a trip to Europe 
in order to organize relief committees in the different 
countries. This delegate was provided with the proper 
credentials from The Mother Church describing the 
object of his mission, and went to Washington to 
secure a passport. There he had interviews with the 
Secretary of State and some of the ambassadors 
accredited to the United States from the warring 
nations, receiving their hearty commendation of the 
plan. 

The delegate sailed from New York on November 
16, 1914, and on his arrival in London requested the 

22 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Committee on Publication for Great Britain and Ire- 
land, to call a relief committee representing the whole 
of the British Isles. 

The members of this committee were asked to 
administer the fund which was originally intended to 
assist Christian Scientists who had been placed in 
financial difficulty by the outbreak of the war. There 
were families where fathers had been called to the 
colors, leaving wives and children totally unprepared 
to earn a living. There were men whose business 
affairs had been wiped out of existence by the declara- 
tion of war. There were students, teachers, artists, who 
found their livelihood taken away, as it were, over- 
night, because people felt forced to do without the 
so-called luxuries of life. Many persons found their 
income stopped or greatly curtailed because they held 
securities in some of the countries involved in the 
struggle. In short, there were many cases where 
Christian Scientists were faced with the problem of 
demonstrating that supply is invariable and unlimited. 
To lift the sense of fear for such as these and so enable 
them to perceive the ever-presence of God's care, was 
the aim of the War Relief Fund. In proportion as it 
was seen that the love which prompted the gifts of 
Christian Scientists to the fund was the real sub- 
stance of the help extended, fear was cast out, and 
individuals were able to dispense with further aid 
from the fund. Not only so but they were put in a 
position to help others, thus proving again the spirit- 
ual fact that "whatever blesses one blesses all" (Sci- 
ence and Health, page 206 ) . A most interesting illus- 
tration of this point which occurred in France through 
the work of a sculptress will be related in more detail 
in the chapter devoted to that country. 

23 



BEGINNINGS 

The plans devised for the distribution of the fund in 
Great Britain served as a model for the committees 
of other countries visited by the delegate from the 
Christian Science Board of Directors. A call was 
made in London upon the representatives of the 
United States Government and when the purpose of 
our fund was told them their verdict was expressed in 
the words, "That is splendid." In Paris plans were 
perfected for a committee of four to handle the war 
relief work for France. A joint meeting of the two 
churches in Paris was addressed by the delegate, to 
familiarize the membership with the working plan of 
the relief fund. In Paris, too, the delegate found the 
American embassy most cordial, and was told that 
The Christian Science Monitor was always to be 
found there. 

Similar committees were organized in Geneva for 
French-speaking Switzerland and at Zurich for 
German-speaking Switzerland. Then in accordance 
with instructions from the Christian Science Board 
of Directors, the delegate made arrangements to ex- 
tend the benefits of the relief fund to Christian 
Scientists in Germanv also. Here the difficulties en- 
countered at first seemed somewhat discouraging, but 
with the help of the Committee on Publication in 
Zurich a necessary letter was secured from the Ger- 
man ambassador at Berne and the journey under- 
taken. A stop was made at Stuttgart where a member 
of the Christian Science Society was visited and a mes- 
sage left for the Society explaining the purpose of the 
relief fund. In Berlin a committee representing the 
Christian Science Churches and Societies of Germany 
met to handle the portion of the relief fund which was 
assigned to them. 

24 




West Entrance to Welfare Building, Camp Merritt, New Jersey 




Christian Science War Relief Building, Camp Merritt, New Jersey 







The Bubbler Fountain, Camp Merritt, New Jersey 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

After the entrance of Italy into the world struggle 
a committee was organized in that country through 
the initiative of Christian Scientists in Florence, the 
administration of the fund being like that of the other 
committees in Europe. A committee was also organ- 
ized in Holland. Many touching incidents marked 
the delegate's trip. By means of a special fund he was 
able to bring much-needed assistance to individuals 
who were in immediate need. Frequently the fear of 
those in want was so quickly overcome that they wrote 
stating that there was no further need for help. The 
tragedies of the war were mitigated for many, un- 
avoidable separations were bridged over and the heal- 
ing work stimulated. 

December 5, 1914, the fund was opened to non- 
Scientists in the following announcement which was 
made to the field, 



MORE RELIEF NEEDED 

"In the Sentinel of October 24, a call was issued for con- 
tributions to a fund for the relief of Christian Scientists who 
were in distress as a consequence of the present war. In re- 
sponse to this call the generous sum of $80,413.90 has been 
received, and this fund will be distributed to Christian Scien- 
tists by committees now being organized by William D. Mc- 
Crackan, who is in Europe for that purpose. It is believed 
that the amount of money now in hand will be sufficient for 
the needs of Christian Scientists, and for the present at least 
this fund will be closed. 

"There is, however, great need of funds for the relief of 
hundreds of thousands of others besides our own people who 
are in poverty and distress by reason of the war, and a col- 
lection for their benefit will be taken in The Mother Church 

25 



BEGINNINGS 

at both services on Sunday, December 6. Any branch church 
or society which takes similar action may remit to Adam H. 
Dickey, Treasurer, 103 Falmouth Street, Boston, Massachu- 
setts, and such amounts as are received will be forwarded to 
the same committees of Christian Scientists for distribution." 

In the Sentinel of April 3, 1915, the following re- 
port on the War Relief Fund made it a permanent 
war fund of The Mother Church: 



RELIEF FUND FOR WAR SUFFERERS 

"In response to the call for contributions for the relief of 
Christian Scientists in distress by reason of the present war 
in Europe, the sum of $82,104.02 has been received by the 
Treasurer of The Mother Church. Of this amount, $77,595.51 
has been disbursed to the relief committees organized by Mr. 
McCrackan in England, Germany, France, and Switzerland, 
as called for by them. Much gratitude has been expressed 
by the Christian Scientists in these countries for the help 
extended to them by their brethren in America. 

"In addition to the $82,104.02 collected for the relief of 
Christian Scientists, there has also been collected the sum of 
$29,154.90 for the relief of war sufferers other than Christian 
Scientists. This entire amount has been disbursed to relief 
committees of Christian Scientists in Holland, England, 
France, and Switzerland. The total amount received to date 
for these two funds is $111,258.92, of which but $4508.51 
remains unexpended. As the need for help still continues, this 
small balance will not last long; therefore Christian Scien- 
tists are given the opportunity to continue to send contribu- 
tions to the Treasurer of The Mother Church for this relief 
work. For the future it is proposed to maintain but one fund, 
and from this both Christian Scientists and others will be 
assisted." 

26 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

From that date a continuous and steady flow of 
voluntary offerings poured into the office of the 
Treasurer of The Mother Church with the desire of 
bringing some measure of relief to the countries of 
the world where war was working its devastations. 
With the declaration of war by the United States the 
needs were brought much closer home and the estab- 
lishment of the Christian Science Camp Welfare 
Committee called for ample funds to maintain and 
support its activities. 

In November, 1917, the Manager of this commit- 
tee started on a tour of the United States for the pur- 
pose of organizing State Committees who should have 
jurisdiction over the work within their borders and 
who should aid in raising funds for the maintenance 
of the activity. 

In January, 1918, a Camp Welfare account was 
opened by the Treasurer of The Mother Church. 

Christian Scientists in some of the states had al- 
ready subscribed thousands of dollars for work 
among the enlisted men in their own neighborhoods. 
It soon became evident, however, that such a distribu- 
tion of the financial burden was neither feasible nor 
just. Such a state as South Carolina, for instance, had 
three national army cantonments within its borders 
while a state like Minnesota had none. Moreover, 
there was a much larger percentage of Christian 
Scientists in some states than in others, so that it was 
decided very early in the development of the Camp 
Welfare activities to have a fund administered by 
The Mother Church to which each state would send 
its contributions for the support of the committee. 
Each State Committee had a Financial Secretary in 
charge of this work and through the fund each state 

27 



BEGINNINGS 

was supplied with a Revolving Account sufficient to 
meet the demands made upon it for work in the camps 
within its borders. 

It was early made plain that the Camp Welfare 
Committee must have the assurance of a regular in- 
come to the fund and to meet this need the State 
Committees adopted various means and methods. In 
some cases branch churches pledged themselves to give 
so much a month, or a total lump sum to be paid 
within a certain date. Again, individuals subscribed 
a stipulated sum monthly to the fund. It was pointed 
out by many of the State Committees that if indi- 
viduals pledged themselves to pay regularly even so 
small a sum as one dollar per month the Camp Wel- 
fare Committee would have a bountiful income, suffi- 
cient to meet every need. Many persons adopted 
this method of giving and many others sent in con- 
tributions from time to time. At the services conducted 
by the men in khaki and blue, collections were often 
taken voluntarily and were added to the general fund. 

As the magnitude of the work in the camps began 
to dawn upon the thought of those in charge, it was 
seen that it would tremendously simplify the admin- 
istration of the fund and obviate duplication of work 
for the Treasurer of The Mother Church to consoli- 
date the Camp Welfare and War Relief Funds. 
Accordingly on March 23, 1918, it was announced in 
the Christian Science Sentinel that thereafter all dis- 
bursements would be made from the consolidated 
fund. 



28 



II 

HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

ENGLAND 

When the cataclysm of August, 1914, shook human 
consciousness to its depths, and revealed as never be- 
fore the precariousness of all merely material depend- 
ence, humanity found itself face to face with such 
unprecedented difficulties and hitherto unconceived 
terrors that "men's hearts failed them for fear." This 
upheaval, however, brought with it a more compre- 
hensive revelation of the compassionate mission of 
Christian Science and provided an opportunity for 
Christian Scientists to serve mankind in many ways 
that might never have arisen otherwise. The first evi- 
dence of this was the establishment in December, 
1914, of The Mother Church Relief Fund to aid suf- 
ferers through the war. A representative was sent by 
the Christian Science Board of Directors of The 
Mother Church to Great Britain and Ireland to initi- 
ate the work. This representative formed a series of 
committees consisting, all told, of nineteen delegates 
from various sections of the United Kingdom, all 
under the chairmanship of the District Manager of 
Committees on Publication for Great Britain and Ire- 
land. Grants from the fund were sent from Boston 
and distributed to the committees in accordance with 
requests received from them. During a period of three 
and a half years, from January, 1915, to July, 1918, 

29 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

relief was extended to more than 2600 cases in this 
way. Although Christian Scientists in the United 
Kingdom and the Colonies were naturally most 
anxious to contribute to The Mother Church Relief 
Fund, it was then impossible for them to do so under 
the Defence of the Realm Act, inasmuch as a portion 
of the fund would be used to aid sufferers in the coun- 
tries with which the United Kingdom and her Colo- 
nies were at war. 

The needs to be met at the time the fund was 
opened differed somewhat from those which subse- 
quently presented themselves. The war broke out with 
startling suddenness and many well-to-do people 
found themselves reduced to poverty almost in a 
night. In these opening days, consequently, the need 
was often for substantial sums to prevent the collapse 
of small businesses, to carry on the education of chil- 
dren, or to train individuals for professions to take the 
place of those which war conditions had swept away. 
A great deal of help was also extended to landladies 
in districts which suffered heavily from air raids and 
bombardments. Much also was done for the relief of 
those in absolute destitution. In one instance, one of 
the local committees found a woman who had been 
struggling for six weeks to support herself and four 
children on five shillings and sixpence a week. She 
would neither run in debt, nor beg, and when she 
was found, there was literally nothing in the house, 
both she and the children being in a pitiful condition, 
having had no food for twenty-four hours. The family 
is now well cared for, and the woman's gratitude is 
very great. 

Another case was that of a young German woman 
married to a Church of England clergyman, who 

30 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

obtained a separation from her at the outbreak of the 
war because she was a German. Under the deed of 
separation she received thirteen shillings and five 
pence maintenance money, but owing to the strong 
feeling against her nationality she was not able to get 
work to supplement this sum. She is not a Christian 
Scientist but has found that the only alleviation of her 
circumstances has come through Christian Science and 
is extremely grateful for the relief extended to her 
each week. Recently she returner* to Germany, saying 
that she would at once look up the nearest Christian 
Science Reading Room and tell of the loving treat- 
ment she has received through The Mother Church 
Fund. 

In one instance where help was given in very sad 
circumstances, the recipient wrote that she had no idea 
that her affairs were known to anyone, or that there 
was such a blessing as The Mother Church Relief 
Fund. She said that the gift was a most wonderful 
answer to her prayers. 

Relief was also extended to a number of working 
dressmakers, whose small businesses failed in the early 
days of the war. Several struggling artists and musi- 
cians whose means of livelihood abruptly stopped, 
were also helped for a period. A number of boarding- 
house keepers at some of the popular seaside resorts, 
were likewise recipients of relief from the fund. The 
war broke out just at the beginning of the summer 
season, and the towns, particularly on the east coast, 
lost many of their usual summer visitors through the 
anticipation of enemy raids by sea or by air, and 
through the necessary military regulations regarding 
coast defence. 

Excerpts from several of the many letters received 

31 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

by the General Committee administering the fund 
for Great Britain give a clear indication of the good 
accomplished in that country. 
One says: 

"Enclosed please find receipt for the balances of the 
amount so generously granted me by The Mother Church, 
for which we are profoundly thankful. It has indeed been the 
means of giving us a fresh start in life unburdened with 
debts. . . . Am pleased to inform you that the improvement 
in health continues and I appear to be steadily gaining in 
strength, in fact all my friends remark how well I am looking 
lately, thanks to Christian Science." 

A Committee reports : 

"I am sure it will interest you to hear of another proof of 
the unity of good. The people with whom I was able to place 
Mrs. W. through the allowance made to her by the War 
Relief Fund are receiving such benefit. The man, a clerk in 
the Post Office, has been away from work for sixteen weeks. 
Mrs. W. told him about Christian Science and he got Science 
and Health and read constantly, with the result that he is 
now back at work and he and his wife have begun to attend 
our services." 

Another : 

"This morning I received a letter from a lady, enclosing 
one pound for the fund, and writing: 'Two years ago I was 
the recipient of ten pounds from this fund, which enabled me, 
amongst other things, to visit a Christian Science friend. 
From that time my needs have always been met and I felt 
very strongly the right thought which must accompany these 
gifts from Scientists in America and elsewhere.' " 

A local Committee in England writes : 

"You will be glad to hear that the two cases which have 
received the largest donations from the fund in this district, 

32 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

have, through this help, been able to make a magnificent 
demonstration and have repaid more to the local funds in 
subscriptions than they originally received." 

Another beneficiary says : 

"I herewith hand you £60, sixty pounds, in bank notes for 
the War Relief Fund. 

"In December the first year of the war, as you know, I 
had lost all my business and was owing my house rent and 
taxes to the amount of £55. This had got on top of me to 
the extent that I did not seem to be able to think of anything 
clearly and was in the depths of despair, not seeing any way 
out of the seeming trouble. At this time you spoke to me of 
the War Relief Fund, just then available, with the result that 
a cheque for the £55 was sent to me. The receipt of this 
money, coming as it did with such loving thought behind it, 
lifted the heavy cloud, and from that day I was a new man 
and was able to help myself. 

"I have gradually worked up a new business and although 
there have been times of trial, still I have been able to look 
to the only source for the solving of all problems and know 
that He does not look at the seeming faults, mistakes, mis- 
directed efforts, etc., but sees only the perfect man. 

"I have many times wanted to give a good amount to this 
fund but it is only now that I have been able to make the 
perfect demonstration. 

"Words are inadequate to express my very deep gratitude 
but I know that others will be blessed, as I have been, through 
this fund." 

After the appointment in 1918 of the Christian 
Science War Relief Committee for Great Britain and 
Ireland, a letter was received from the Christian Sci- 
ence Board of Directors recommending the reorgani- 
zation of the administration of the War Relief Fund, 
and advising that relief should be extended only to 

33 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

refugees or those in actual destitution. The problem of 
unemployment had almost disappeared in 1918, owing 
to the large numbers engaged in munition making, or 
kindred activities. Therefore, the nature of the relief 
work changed considerably, and the number of cases 
helped was greatly reduced. The endeavor was made 
to have the War Relief agent in charge of a case make 
the payments weekly, thereby keeping in close touch 
with the recipient, and giving such encouragement and 
advice from the metaphysical standpoint as would go 
far towards healing the condition of poverty. In sev- 
eral cases the metaphysical work done by the agent 
brought about the financial healing before there was 
time for the Committee to extend the relief which was 
sought. 

On page IX of the Preface to Miscellaneous Writ- 
ings, Mrs. Eddy writes : 

"A certain apothegm of a Talmudical philosopher suits my 
sense of doing good. It reads thus : 'The noblest charity is to 
prevent a man from accepting charity ; and the best alms are 
to show and to enable a man to dispense with alms.' " 

This "sense of doing good" has been held as the ideal 
in distributing the War Relief Fund, and there has 
been ample proof of the wisdom and fruitfulness of 
such a method. In one instance the small payment of 
ten shillings was made to a man who had been dis- 
charged from the army as incurable. He was unable 
to work, and his wife was ill. Christian Science treat- 
ment was given and within a week, the man was com- 
pletely healed and able to take up an excellent posi- 
tion. 

Relief was given to a Belgian refugee and her sick 
husband. The woman was a munition worker during 

34 




s 
o 




U 



I 








a 



fti 



ti 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

the war, but after the factory closed she was out of 
work for some time. When the unemployment pay 
came to an end, she was without means of supply 
while awaiting repatriation, and owing to her hus- 
band's continued illness, she was the sole breadwinner. 
On hearing of the case an allowance was at once made 
from the War Relief Fund for the necessary period. 
A Christian Scientist visited the husband on behalf of 
the Committee and had several good talks with him, 
which resulted in a great improvement in his physical 
condition. Within a short time the arrangements for 
repatriation were completed and the couple returned 
to Belgium. A message has been received announcing 
their safe and happy arrival at home, and saying that 
the husband is now well. 

An elderly woman of seventy-three years, who was 
in great poverty, received help, and through this was 
introduced to the subject of Christian Science. She 
told the practitioner who called on her that her only 
son had been killed in France, and that she had prayed 
both day and night to God to heal her broken heart. 
As she could not read, the textbook, which she now 
loves, was read aloud to her, and she recently re- 
marked that "no bottle of medicine could touch the 
heart as that black book does. It has healed my broken 
one, and made me a better woman." 

HOLLAND 

It was to hospitable little Holland that many peo- 
ple, forced to become refugees through the war, fled 
for safety and shelter. There were consequently many 
calls upon the War Relief Fund of The Mother 
Church coming from persons of various nationalities. 

35 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

The fund was administered in Holland by the Com- 
mittee on Publication for that country, and in one of 
the reports we read : 

"We are so grateful for the help the Christian Scientists 
in America are giving us. I am sure each of them would feel 
amply rewarded if he could hear the expressions of gratitude 
of the people we have been able to help in Holland. And to 
think that this blessed work is going on in many other coun- 
tries is indeed glorious !" 

A Dutch lady writes : 

"What a relief and what a splendid gift I received from 
the War Relief Fund. Not only my immediate needs are all 
supplied, but the principal thing is that I received a tangible 
proof of God's love and know from experience that He never 
leaves those who trust in Him." 

Says a student: 

"I acknowledge the receipt of the 200 florins from the 
War Relief Fund. I am very grateful to the Committee that 
makes it possible for me in this way to provide for my future, 
and it certainly will be a stimulus to do all I can to pass the 
examination successfully." 

From the same student somewhat later : 

"You surely will be pleased to hear that I have success- 
fully passed the examination. As it was through your medium 
that I received the help from the Christian Science War 
Relief Fund which made it possible to continue my study I 
want to thank you once more." 

Ah Englishman writes from The Hague: 

"I am most happy to inform you that my family came 
through from Belgium last week. 

"My wife joins me in thanking you and the other members 
of the Committee most sincerely for the munificent manner 

36 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

in which you came forward to our assistance in our trouble. 
We shall never forget the sympathy and kindness we have 
experienced in this hospitable country and shall always re- 
member with gratitude those to whom we are so much indebted 
for bringing an end to our long separation. 

"This loan shall be amongst the first that will have my 
attention as soon as I am in a position to repay same." 

Another whose burden was lightened writes: 

"Thank you so much for the help received, by means of 
which we were able to redeem our belongings from the pawn- 
broker and to buy some warm clothes for my husband. We 
have passed through great poverty as my husband was with- 
out work for a long time and we were forced to sell much of 
our furniture. To our delight he has just found work, too. 
Will you please thank the Christian Scientists for the help 
God inspired them to give us ?" 

From a society for the relief of interned soldiers 
came the following: 

"In the name of 'L'CEuvre de I'lnterne' we thank you 
heartily for the splendid gift of 500 florins which you sent 
to our Commander, General J., from the War Relief Fund 
of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Mass." 

These are only a few of the cases which might be 
cited to show that The Mother Church Fund was the 
means of bringing relief, comfort and solace to those 
on whom war had cast its shadow in Holland. 



SWITZERLAND 

In German-speaking Switzerland the headquarters 
of the War Relief Fund were at Zurich, in French- 
speaking Switzerland at Geneva. Like Holland, the 

37 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

country was filled to overflowing with those who 
sought a refuge from the storm of war and among 
them were many to whom the fund of The Mother 
Church came, bringing peace where there had been 
anxiety, health where there had been sickness, and 
trust where there had been only the blank outlook of 
utter hopelessness and despair. 

What joy it brings to the hearts of all who have 
helped make the fund possible to hear the following 
story of one whom the Committee in Zurich was able 
to aid: 

"I became acquainted with a woman who was bending under 
her load of troubles. She was in debt and lacked even the 
absolute necessities, her husband being at the frontier. (He 
had been obliged to do service three times in the interval of 
one year.) She received only a small subsidy for herself and 
her child, just enough not to perish from starvation. 

"Before the war her husband had a small business and the 
wife kept a boarding house. They lived comfortably until 
1914 when the war started ; then misery began. The husband's 
business failed entirely ; the boarders left to serve under the 
flag and thus a hard time began for the wife. When her hus- 
band left for the frontier she was deprived of his support. 
The state of fear in which she found herself over the rent 
and the debts to be paid resulted in illness and she had to 
undergo two operations for goiter. This woman became so 
irritable and embittered that she made the home for her child 
a veritable hell. Then error held full sway. 

"I felt attracted toward the child, who was about thirteen 
at that time, and was very much impressed by the confidence 
she had in God, that they would be delivered from their moral 
and material misery. I then realized that here was an oppor- 
tunity to apply the truth of Christian Science and by and by 
I began to see results with the child. Her disposition became 
greatly changed so that the mother was astonished. Later, 

38 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

when the opportunity occurred I approached the mother, and 
with her also, after a time, the inharmonious conditions began 
to give place to harmony ; slowly a great transformation took 
place. There was, however, the cloud of her indebtedness 
hanging over her. I then asked for aid on her behalf from the 
War Relief Committee in Zurich. The sum of 300 francs was 
given her to pay off the most urgent debts. 

"To the poor woman this was a fortune falling from 
heaven. She could never have dreamed of such a solution. 
This money, given to her by Love, was the beginning of a new 
life. The oppressing fears were lifted, and one can truth- 
fully say that blessings were showered upon the family. 
The child was given shoes, clothing, hats and all necessary 
things. The husband being, up to that time, in a trying and 
poorly paid position in the army, was transferred without 
any special effort to a higher grade. His officer showed so 
much interest in him that he gave him 100 francs to send to 
his family, and when at the end of his term of service, the 
supplies of the company were sold, he received enough to 
provide for himself for some time. 

"The wife herself is completely transformed. She is very 
happy to have regained her strength so that now she is able 
to do her washing and housework. She is freed from her 
asthmatic trouble so that there is no need of a further opera- 
tion, and often I have the pleasure of looking in her face, now 
full of contentment, and of hearing her say: 'How happy I 
am ! How happy I am ! What would have become of us if you 
had not told us about Christian Science !' " 

Another recipient of help from the Zurich Com- 
mittee writes : 

"At this time I would like to express my gratitude to the 
Christian Scientists for all the love and kindness shown to 
their European brothers by helping them financially. I am 
one of those who have been helped twice by the local Commit- 
tee, having received 50 francs each time. In the meantime, 

39 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"I want to express to you and the War Relief Fund my 
profound gratitude for the help you extended to me in my 
distress. This aid has opened to me a new spiritual life which 
I wish to understand better and to follow. Thank you with all 
my heart for having shown me this life-giving truth." 

"It is with a heart full of gratitude that I offer my thanks 
to you in this letter. ... I dare not think what would have 
become of me during these hard times with my poor means of 
subsistence. . . . On Saturday you brought me the sum of 
150 francs from your fund to make provision of coal for the 
winter. . . . Thanks also for Le Heraut and above all, 
thanks for the textbook by Mrs. Eddy. This book is truly 
spiritual food for all my family." 

"The aid which I particularly have received from the War 
Relief Committee has been a great help and encouragement to 
me during the trying period we have been passing through. 
Eighteen months ago I was utterly ignorant of Christian 
Science. I owe to it my physical and moral restoration. It 
gave me health and strength on my hospital bed where death 
awaited me in August, 1916. Through it I now desire to live. 
It is sustaining me today in every difficult problem. 

"Therefore, it is with all my heart that I desire to con- 
tribute to this work which has become dear to me through 
having received so many of its benefits." 

ITALY 

It was largely through the initiative of Christian 
Scientists in Florence that a War Relief Committee 
was organized in Italy after the entry of that country 
into the world struggle. 

The Christian Science Society of Florence holds its 
services and maintains a Reading Room in a substan- 
tial building on the Via Delia Spada just across the 
street from the famous Strozzi palace. On the third 

42 






« S 
Pi o 

.— 



- 



44 



£5 



_J 




HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

floor were the headquarters for the Committee admin- 
istering the War Relief Fund for Italy. The well- 
organized group of Christian Scientists carefully 
investigated hundreds of cases of destitution and 
misery in Rome, Florence, Genoa, Turin, Sienna and 
Sarzana and distributed money and comforts with 
much care and discrimination. On a single afternoon 
at headquarters in Florence as many as fifty cases 
were helped, each one of which had been the subject 
of careful consideration and investigation. 

A glimpse of the tireless group that eagerly awaited 
their turn outside the disbursing office in Florence, 
through long hours on one hot September afternoon 
when a visitor was present, would have satisfied 
everjr contributor to the fund that the help was 
needed in Italy. Old men and women, young soldiers' 
widows with tiny babes, whose pensions, pitifully 
meager at the best, had not even as yet been allotted, 
discharged soldiers who had contracted diseases in the 
army, mothers of large families seeking even trifling 
aid, were each in turn seen and comforted and sent 
away rejoicing, giving voluble expressions of grati- 
tude. 

Knowing the characteristics of the Italian people, 
and desiring, too, to make The Mother Church Fund 
furnish true aid, the Committee purchased quantities 
of wool which it distributed to the poor to be knitted 
into socks and paid one lira a pair to the knitter. The 
socks were then sent to the soldiers of the Italian army 
and elicited among others the following letter : 

"The Officers of the Edolo Battalion 5th Alpines, in the name 
of the brave Alpines. 
"We heartily thank you for the most useful and most 

43 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

welcome twenty-five pairs of socks, mountain hoods, and knee 
protectors. The good that you kind ladies do is inestimable. 

"When our soldiers feel that they are thought of by those 
at home, sacrifice becomes nothing to them and danger is 
faced with strong and calm hearts." 

In another instance the Committee purchased a 
sewing machine for some women refugees, who wrote : 

"We refugees of Sandona di Piave, Venezia, having been 
forced to give up our dear land to the barbarous enemy, and 
finding ourselves in need, feel it is our duty to extend to this 
honorable Committee our hearty thanks, having received 
money to buy a sewing machine with which to earn our living. 

"Thanking once more this honorable Committee for the 
good and comfortable position in which they have put us, we 
remain, yours ever gratefully." 

Again it was an Italian officer who said : 

"In my name and in the name of my soldiers, I send to you 
Madam, and to the Christian Science Society, our heartiest 
thanks for what you have so generously sent to my soldiers. 

"I say generously because the woolen underwear which was 
in abundance was so gratefully accepted. The games, too, 
were a kind thought, so that the soldiers, when the enemy per- 
mit, may be distracted and pass the long hours in the trenches 
less monotonously. . . . 

"With great faith in victory — hurrah for the Allies, 
hurrah for America." 

Surely the fund did a good work when it helped 
this little Italian schoolboy, who wrote: 

"I can't help sending you a few words to thank you for 
the good you have done for me and my dear mother. I thank 
you for the shoes, for the house rent, and for paying for my 
schooling. I promise you to study in order to be a comfort 
to my poor parents. Forgive my bad writing and with 
respects, yours very truly." 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

The minister of an Evangelical Church on the island 
of Elba was sent a sum of money by the Committee to 
be used among the needy members of his congrega- 
tion. Of two families who were helped through the 
fund he writes : 

"In closing this letter of gratitude allow me to refer to 
some blessings that have come to two of the above-mentioned 
families. A little grandson of C. fell ill and the doctor pro- 
nounced it a case of typhoid fever. The child is a pupil in the 
fourth class of the Evangelical School. When I went to see 
him, I found all the family in the utmost despair thinking the 
child was as good as dead. I spoke boldly of the power of 
faith and said how absurd it was to think a young boy should 
have to die. I called to mind the miracles of Jesus and assured 
them the child would not die. Thanks be to God, he recovered. 

"In the family P., the head of the house, a soldier at the 
front, was wounded in the body by a shell. His sisters had not 
the courage to tell their old mother, though all the town knew 
about it. I went to tell her so that her faith might be awak- 
ened before she heard the sad news. We all realized the young 
man would be saved. God has surely restored him to life. Now 
he is again at the front and is expected home for the winter 
leave. 

"The light of faith and of life has been lacking in the 
world. Hence war and death. But Life triumphs over death." 

It is to be noted that the Italian woman, whose 
grateful letter follows, is anxious to learn English so 
that she may read about Christian Science. 

"I feel very sorry that I cannot speak and understand 
English. However, I hope to learn some day and with the 
language I shall learn so many good things which I need. 
My husband tries to study English in order to understand 
the treasures contained in those little books that you gave 
him. They are his companions and consolation in his forced 
and temporary exile. (He is a soldier.) . . . Christian Sci- 

45 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

ence seems part of his life. And here, Signora, allow me to 
thank you heartily for the help given to me in money, rent 
and clothing. I wish I could thank all the Americans who have 
liberated my children, my husband and myself from the tre- 
mendous weight of woe which was upon us. 

"All these troubles are forgotten, thanks to you, and to 
the good friends, I dare say brothers, Scientists of the world. 
Accept, Signora, my feelings of gratitude and reverence." 

FRANCE 

The War Relief Fund of The Mother Church as 
established in the fall of 1914, was primarily intended 
to assist Christian Scientists and to help them over a 
period of temporary financial stress until they should 
again be able to help themselves. As the love which 
prompted this offer of assistance was the real sub- 
stance of the aid extended, it cast out the fear of those 
in need. Consequently Christian Scientists were, in 
most cases, soon able to dispense with all financial aid 
from the fund, hence in the Sentinel of December 5, 
1914, the Treasurer of The Mother Church announced 
that sufficient money was then in hand to meet the 
needs of Christian Scientists, at the same time asking 
for further contributions for the relief of non- Scien- 
tists who were suffering from the privations entailed 
by the war. 

In France a Committee had been organized jointly 
from the two churches in Paris for the administration 
of "The Mother Church Relief Fund." It now joy- 
ously accepted the privilege of extending help to non- 
Scientists as well as to Scientists. It soon became evi- 
dent, however, that to let it be generally known that 
such a fund existed would bring an overwhelming 
number of appeals for assistance, for at this time the 

46 




On the porch at Camp Jackson 




Interior of House, Camp Jackson, South Carolina 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

soldiers' wives in France were receiving only twenty- 
five cents a day for adults and ten cents for each child, 
and this class of the needy would very soon have swal- 
lowed up the fund. Therefore, the Committee endeav- 
ored to find out the miseres cachees, those who had 
no means whatever and who were often of the edu- 
cated classes whose natural delicacy debarred them 
from making their needs known. 

Scores of interesting cases could be cited, where the 
fund came to the assistance of persons in distress and 
helped them over a trying period. Many artists who 
found themselves suddenly stranded were aided. A 
well-known Paris artist brought to the attention of 
the Committee a number of such persons whose 
condition was really pitiable. Two Americans, for 
instance, were enabled to return to their home when 
they found themselves without means of livelihood in 
France. Another who was in the depths of discourage- 
ment and poverty was given assistance from the fund, 
held an exhibition of his pictures and found a ready 
sale for his work from that time on. 

To teachers, students and professors who were de- 
prived of their employment by the outbreak of the 
war much needed help was given. 

Cooperating with a Protestant clergyman the Com- 
mittee was able to extend aid to a number of Protes- 
tant families who were in dire need. 

A little Paris street urchin who was trying to sup- 
port a younger sister, and who was literally without a 
cent, was taken in overnight by one member of the 
Committee, aided financially by the fund and helped 
to secure a position. 

An American nurse who had married a French 

47 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

soldier was delighted by the complete layette provided 
for her baby by the War Relief Fund. 

A young Jewish woman from Algiers, with a blind 
husband and a large family of children, was given 
much needed assistance. 

Some Russian ladies whose home in Rheims had 
been destroyed by bombardment, were most grateful 
for financial help. 

A Finn whose demands upon the fund were exorbi- 
tant and unreasonable, was healed and later frankly 
acknowledged the help received and secured a good 
position. Another Finn was given enough money to 
take him to Switzerland, where he worked among the 
prisoners of war. 

An Austrian in an internment camp wrote to the 
Committee for a copy of Science and Health in the 
German translation. One was sent him through the 
fund and when last heard from he was conducting 
Christian Science services in that camp. 

An old German couple who loved France and had 
made it their home for some thirty years, were recom- 
mended to the Committee as worthy of assistance. 
Financial aid was given them and they both became 
interested in Christian Science and were loaned a 
copy of the textbook. The Committee gave them small 
sums to buy little additional necessities and they were 
later returned to Germany. Such was their love for 
Christian Science that they said their only joy would 
be to find some Scientists in Germany. Through the 
Red Cross they sent word that they had found friends 
among the Scientists who were caring for them. 

One Spanish family looked up by the Committee 
were found literally starving; they had no bedding, 

48 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

no furniture, no fire, though the weather was severe, 
and but one broken cup. The husband was a copper- 
plate engraver before the war and had been brought 
to this state of destitution because he had had no work. 
His family was helped until a position was secured 
for him. 

One might mention also cases of Poles, Swedes, 
Italians and Armenians who had help from the fund 
which indeed literally fulfilled the words on page 13 
of Science and Health, "Love is impartial and univer- 
sal in its adaptation and bestowals." 

The sculptress of whom mention was previously 
made was a Christian Scientist. Finding that there 
was no market for the products of her art, she turned 
her energy to toy making. With some slight assistance 
from the fund, she began to make dolls. Their origi- 
nality proved so successful and attractive that they 
soon made a place for themselves in the large shops in 
Paris as well as abroad. The demand grew so rapidly 
that the sculptress was forced to employ someone to 
assist her and was eventually able to give work to as 
many as eleven women. Thus did the seed sown on 
good soil spring up and bring forth fruit an hundred- 
fold. 

In many cases the desire was expressed to know 
something of that which was affording such help and 
eventually some became earnest students of Christian 
Science. 

The work was carried on along these lines, helping 
individuals of all nationalities and of all sects and 
denominations, until the beginning of 1917 when it 
was found that the fund could be made to flow 
through broader channels so as to help in relieving 

49 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

the distress in the regions of France which had been 
invaded and which were being gradually liberated by 
the advance of the Allies. 

During the year of 1917, ninety- two individual 
cases, of which thirty-six were Christian Scientists, 
were helped and it was decided to extend help also to 
the liberated districts in which the returning inhabi- 
tants were in the utmost need. The circular letter 
which follows was sent to the authorities of these 
regions. 

"THE MOTHER CHURCH WAR RELIEF FUND 

"(The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, 

Massachusetts ) 

"From the Office of the Paris Committee 

"To the Mayor : 

"We have the honor of calling to your attention a fund 
known as 'The Mother Church War Relief Fund,' created 
by the gifts of Christian Scientists in the United States and 
other parts of the world for the purpose of helping war suf- 
ferers. Contributions already made by Christian Scientists 
to this Fund exceed a million and a half francs. 

"The Paris Committee responsible for the distribution of 
that portion of the fund allotted to France has been estab- 
lished since the early months of the war and has already dis- 
tributed a substantial sum in relieving suffering in this coun- 
try. 

"The use of the fund is not confined to any particular 
sect but extends to all sufferers regardless of religion or 
other distinction and the Paris Committee would be glad to 
extend its benefits to sufferers in your Commune if such help 
would be acceptable. 

"As access to your Commune by civilians is practically 
impossible, we are not in a position to get in touch with the 

50 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

cases most worthy of help as we have elsewhere. The Commit- 
tee would therefore be very glad to consider applications 
sent to them, through you or any other authority, with re- 
gard to individual cases needing assistance. Applications may 
also be sent through any local Committee or organization 
that is working to help war sufferers in your Commune. Each 
application should be accompanied by a few details as to the 
present financial circumstances and need. 

"May I add that the details of any application that you 
may desire to submit to us will be treated confidentially and 
considered in the most kindly spirit. 

"We beg to remain, 

"Very sincerely yours, 

"President of the Committee." 

This letter was sent to 159 Prefects, Senators, 
Deputies and Mayors in the departments of the Pas 
de Calais, Nord, Somme, Oise, Aisne and Marne and 
called forth a very general and enthusiastic response. 
At the request of the Deputy of St. Quentin members 
of our Committee were able to visit some portions of 
the devastated districts of the Aisne in order to have 
some adequate concept of the havoc wrought and of 
the present need of the inhabitants. The condition of 
one village will give a specific idea of what they found. 
Beauvois had before the war a population of between 
7000 and 8000 people. An expert's examination 
showed that in the whole town there were only twelve 
buildings capable of being repaired. The result was 
that there was no civil population left. As soon, how- 
ever, as they were repatriated the inhabitants of these 
desolate villages would make their way back to what 
was formerly their home and the Mayors and Depu- 
ties would endeavor to find means to provide them 
with shelter and food. 

51 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

The Mayor of Moy, for example, applied to the 
Committee to help twenty-five necessitous cases from 
his village. The whole village had. been razed to the 
ground and the inhabitants were being repatriated by 
way of Switzerland. There was no one to help them ex- 
cept the Mayor. He had exhausted all of his personal 
resources, and came to our Committee at a moment 
when he was in despair at not being able to meet the 
very pressing need of a number of families. The Com- 
mittee aided the twenty-five families with sums aver- 
aging from 50 to 100 francs ($10 to $20) per family. 
This was in August, 1917, and similar help was given 
in December of that year. 

Another particularly interesting case was that pre- 
sented to the Committee by the Mayor of Orchies, 
Departement du Nord. 

"Dear Sir : 

"I have the honor to acknowledge your favor of July 14. 
I am tremendously grateful for the interest you are kind 
enough to take in my unfortunate fellow citizens. Our city, 
almost completely burned by the Germans on September 25, 
1914, is still in their hands. 

"I correspond at present with 450 soldiers, 125 prisoners 
and 350 civilians. At first I was able to send help to the 
mobilized men and to the prisoners ; but the modest resources 
which I had at my disposal were soon exhausted and public 
charity solicited on every side, could do no more for my poor 
citizens. 

"I call your kind attention especially to the Prisoners of 
Orchies. These unfortunate men cannot receive anything from 
their families, for most of them are still in the invaded dis- 
tricts. The prisoners, therefore, are entirely destitute and to 
my great regret, it is impossible for me to reply to their 
urgent appeals. 

"This is why I should be very grateful to you if you could 

52 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

help them a little. If you wish I can send you a list of the 
prisoners. 

"I alone take care of the inhabitants of Orchies, whether 
mobilized, prisoners, or repatriated, and it would be a great 
relief and a profound satisfaction to me if their condition 
could be somewhat relieved. 

"Thanking you in advance for whatever you may be kind 
enough to do for them, and in this hope, I beg you to accept 
the assurance of my highest esteem." 

The answer to this appeal is appended as it shows 
the method adopted by the Comite Franpais in dealing 
with such cases. 

"Monsieur le Maire : 

"Our Committee has received your letter of July 31, in 
which you inform us of the needs of the people of Orchies and 
they are pleased to write you that they desire to divide the 
sum of 1500 francs among the most needy cases. 

"Be so kind, then, as to send the names and present 
addresses of those whose needs you consider the most urgent, 
adding some data as to their actual condition, and please 
suggest the amount you think advisable to give in each case. 
As soon as we receive this list we shall be glad to send the 
money orders. 

"Very sincerely yours, 

"President of the Committee." 

From one of the recipients of this aid, a prisoner of 
war, came the following note, which is typical of many 
others. 

"Friedericksfeld, December 2, 1917. 
"Mademoiselle : 

"I have received the money order for 12.50 francs which 
you had the kindness to send me at the request of the Mayor 
of Orchies. This money will be most useful to me and I am 
very grateful to have it. 

"Sincerely yours," 
53 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

During a hard winter, the Committee was able to 
provide about 1200 refugee children in Amiens with 
warm clothing at a cost of 25,000 francs, and it also 
gave substantial grants to the various Foyers du Sol- 
dat in France. These Foyers correspond to our Y. M. 
C. A. huts and have been of immense help and 
comfort to the French Poilus since their establish- 
ment. A large building in the center of Amiens had 
been equipped to reeducate mutilated soldiers and fit 
them to earn their own living. It was found that it cost 
800 francs per person to complete this education. Our 
Committee felt it right to encourage this work by 
taking upon itself the education of five new cases. In 
addition, money to supply an artificial leg was sent to 
a young mason, who had been wounded in the battle 
of the Marne. He was taken prisoner by the Germans, 
and after having his leg amputated was sent back to 
France. Here, on his own initiative, he studied and 
attended university classes and qualified as a public 
school teacher. 

Hundreds of individuals whose names were sub- 
mitted to our Committee through their Mayor or Pre- 
fect, or through some relief society, received aid. 
With touching gratitude the recipients would state in 
their letters of acknowledgment that the money had 
been used to buy shoes for children who had been 
forced to go barefoot ; to purchase furniture for those 
who had been sleeping on straw; to procure a woolen 
blanket as a protection against the rigors of winter; 
to clothe destitute families ; to provide comforts for a 
sick mother ; to send a package to a father, a prisoner 
of war in Germany; to replace farming implements 

54 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

destroyed by the invader ; to eke out an income which 
was supporting ten persons, and so on indefinitely. 

This brings us in our story to the eventful year 
1918, when the Paris churches asked The Mother 
Church to send workers to meet the growing number 
of calls for help from the Americans who were com- 
ing overseas, and also to help organize more efficient 
relief in the terribly desolated and devastated districts 
of France. 

Early in the year a delegate was sent over by The 
Mother Church to investigate conditions and to make 
a report to the Directors as to the best way of co- 
operating with the War Relief Committee already 
operating in Paris, in order to help both the American 
troops and the refugees. The visit of this representa- 
tive, accompanied by a worker who remained perma- 
nently in France, strengthened and helped the Paris 
workers at a most difficult time. Immediately upon 
his return ten workers were sent to France by the 
Christian Science Board of Directors of The Mother 
Church. They arrived in Paris during one of the most 
critical periods of the war, when the city was being 
bombarded by day by "Big Bertha" and by night by 
the German "Gothas," which visited the city as often 
as five times in one week. The Germans were also ad- 
vancing so rapidly on Paris that it was felt that some- 
thing should be done at once to enable the congrega- 
tions of both the Paris churches to leave the city if they 
so desired. 

The Manager of the War Relief Committee met 
the Comite Franpais and they discussed the question 
fully, with the result that 5000 francs were imme- 
diately advanced to each church to be used by the 

55 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

members in case of need, which money was to be 
accounted for by the respective members of the Com- 
mittee. 

Some forty families were helped by this fund and 
it was indeed a very vital thing to them to be able to 
put their children in safety outside of Paris or to feel 
that they had by them a sum of money sufficient to 
cover the expense of leaving Paris if it became 
urgently necessary to do so. In not a few cases the 
people who had been granted this money returned the 
same to the Committee as they felt so certain a sense 
of divine protection that they remained in Paris in 
spite of seemingly desperate conditions. 

During 1918 some 100 individual cases were helped, 
of which 48 were Scientists. 

The coming to France of the War Relief Workers 
opened new channels by which help could be extended 
to war sufferers. These workers were established at 
Bordeaux, Brest, Tours, St. Nazaire, Langres, 
Nevers, Nantes, Le Mans and Romorantin, and all 
were asked to send particulars to the Comite Fran- 
pais of cases needing help. 

A letter to the Mayor of each of these cities setting 
forth in some detail the objects and aims of the fund 
and the work already accomplished by it, was deliv- 
ered by our representative in person, together with a 
check for the relief of war sufferers in each of these 
districts. The amounts delivered to the various agen- 
cies aggregated 40,000 francs. 

In every case the War Relief Worker was most 
courteously received by the Mayor of the town. In 
Le Mans particularly our Worker reports : 

56 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

"The Mayor seemed appreciative and keenly sensitive to 
the relationship established between his office and this Depot 
through this gift. He controlled his emotions with some diffi- 
culty, his eyes filled with tears and his feelings seemed to be 
deeply moved." 

Such a careful survey of the needs of the town was 
made by the Mayor and so much good work was 
accomplished that the Committee felt it right to grant 
an additional 2500 francs to this Depot. 

That the motive animating our relief work was 
understood in some measure is evident from the fol- 
lowing, which appeared in a newspaper of November 
10, 1918, called L'Aisne. 

"It is not by almsgiving in the name of their religion so 
widely spread in America, that they seek to aid the victims 
of the war. It is rather by placing in each man's hand an 
instrument by which he can overcome evil and so eventually 
efface all trace of calamity, including war. 

"Is there any more beautiful religion than the overcoming 
of evil? Science, allied with this noble idea of Christianity, 
which for centuries has taken root in the world, becomes a 
means of uplifting the individual and his family both mate- 
rially and morally. 

"The wounds to be healed are innumerable. Universal 
brotherhood which is the'basis of the doctrine of Christian 
Science finds its work here. The motive of the Christian 
Science War Relief Fund is to put into the hands of persons 
in distress the means of re-creating by their own efforts an 
independent position." 

From June, 1918, onwards, the work of the Coniite 
Franpais has tended more and more towards helping 
the inhabitants of the devastated regions. The swift 
advance, followed by the swifter retreat of the Ger- 

57 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

mans, created the most difficult and distressing condi- 
tions for the civil population and there was practically 
no preparation to meet these conditions. Therefore, it 
was deemed right to send all the help possible into 
these areas. 

This the Committee did in many instances by giving 
a lump sum for the use of a particular town or region, 
this sum to be distributed by trustworthy channels 
such as the Comite de VAi&ne, and the Comite Lyon- 
St.-Quentin, to whom the sum of 25,000 and 5000 
francs were given respectively, at a time of great 
stress. 

After the German retreat the sum of 30,000 francs 
was given to the city of St. Quentin and to a region 
west of this place which had been practically destroyed 
in the recent fighting, and out of this money, among 
other things, twenty sewing machines were purchased 
and placed in various centers. They were known as the 
"Village Machines" and were used in turn by all the 
inhabitants. The sum of 30,000 francs was also sent to 
the village of Wavrin, some ten miles south of Lille. 
This village, which before the war had 5000 inhabi- 
tants, all of them superior mechanics, was occupied 
by the Germans for four years, and in October, 1918, 
all the inhabitants were evacuated and sent into Bel- 
gium. The Germans then put a bomb in each house, 
and on leaving the town blew them all up. The inhabi- 
tants returned on foot from Belgium towards the end 
of December, a few at a time, and when the chairman 
of the Comite Francais visited the place on December 
20, some 2100 people were camping in the ruins, with- 
out beds or bedding. The French authorities were able 
to send only a consignment of food to keep them from 

58 



HANDS ACROSS THE SEA 

starving and the money sent by the Comite Franpais 
provided for a substantial distribution of bedding, 
blankets, warm clothing and boots. 

When permission was secured from the French 
Government to ship consignments of clothing made 
by the Comforts Forwarding Committees in the 
United States much joy was felt in France. Five 
shipments have been sent, a total of 558 cases, con- 
taining clothing and comforts of various kinds. It may 
be of interest to state that among the garments in- 
cluded were bathrobes, shirts, vests, blouses, suits, 
trousers, for men and boys; chemises, nightgowns, 
drawers, petticoats, stockings, union suits, dresses, 
skirts, bonnets, aprons for women and girls; babies' 
layettes with blankets, bootees, capes, caps, night- 
dresses, petticoats, sacks, shirts, stockings, diapers, 
bibs and afghans. Knitted articles including helmets, 
mittens, shawls, socks, sweaters, caps, wristers, trench 
caps and many bolts of flannel to be made into new 
garments were also forwarded in large quantities. We 
can probably realize only faintly the comfort which 
such shipments have brought to inhabitants returning 
to such desolate places as Arras, Bapaume, Bethune, 
Loos, Lens, etc. 

The distribution of the first shipment was made by 
the wife of one of the French deputies in the depart- 
ment of the Aisne, who exercised the greatest care and 
wisdom in giving the articles to those who were most 
needy. The second lot went to the department of the 
Nord, and the third and fourth to Arras. 

The work of the French Committee will continue 
until no further need of its services is apparent. 

59 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Of the fruit of its work it is heartening to think in 
the words of one of our hymns : 

"No act falls fruitless ; none can tell 
How vast its pow'r may be ; 
Nor what results enfolded dwell 
Within it silently." 

— Christian Science Hymnal. 



60 



Ill 

HELPING HALIFAX 

On Thursday, December 6, 1917, the people of Hali- 
fax appealed to the world for help in their distress 
caused by the collision of two steamers, the Mont 
Blanc and the Imo, and the resulting explosion and 
fire. Immediately the Christian Science organization 
responded. The Christian Science Board of Directors 
of The Mother Church appointed a committee of five 
members to proceed to Halifax with relief. Obstacles 
such as storm, limitation of time, and lack of trans- 
portation at once presented themselves. No through 
train was available on Saturday when the Committee 
was to leave; therefore the Board of Directors author- 
ized arrangements with the Boston & Maine Railroad 
to finance a special train from Bangor to Halifax. 
Large supplies of clothing were quickly gathered and 
placed on the train, and at 7.30 p.m., Saturday, De- 
cember 8, the Committee left Boston in a terrific snow- 
storm, "to go," as one member said with uplifted 
thought, "not to a city of disaster, but to a city whose 
builder and maker is God, a city of harmony, in the 
ever-present kingdom of heaven." 

About thirty people besides the Christian Science 
party made up the passenger list on the special train. 
There were doctors, nurses, newspaper reporters, and 
those bound for Halifax who were seeking out rela- 
tives. These were grateful indeed for the opportunity 

61 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

which had so unexpectedly opened for them to reach 
Halifax twenty-four hours sooner than otherwise 
would have been possible. The privilege of sending 
goods to Halifax was extended to those along the 
route of travel. 

The journey was happy and harmonious. One man 
on the train testified that he had eaten his first normal 
breakfast in ten years that Sunday morning and felt 
no distress. He attributed this healing to the helpful 
association with Christian Scientists, and listened 
with marked interest to explanations of Christian 
Science. 

Ours was the third relief train to start for Halifax. 
At St. John, New Brunswick, the Committee was 
met by a delegation of about twenty-five Scientists, 
who were eager to extend any aid possible. They 
offered to forward oil stoves and food if there were 
need of them, and a small number were ready to join 
the party immediately if necessary. 

Both of the previous trains were held up at Truro, 
sixty miles from Halifax, one for half a day, and the 
other for five hours, and trainmen prophesied that 
this would prove a similar case. As when in the pre- 
ceding hours obstacles of storm and lack were over- 
come, so now, thought was uplifted to perceive the 
freedom of the Sons of God and to know that there 
could be no delay in Mind's activity. The train re- 
mained in Truro but ten minutes. An inspector 
boarded the train and during his conversation said 
that the delegation could get no nearer the city than 
the five-mile limit. Again God's power was relied 
upon, and the following morning, Monday, Decem- 
ber 10, upon rising the Committee found themselves 
in the heart of the city, their train having been the 

62 



HELPING HALIFAX 

first to pass under a badly burned bridge and through 
the devastated region. 

In the cold gray of the morning they went forth, 
with but little knowledge of the conditions, destruc- 
tion meeting the eye at every turn; nevertheless the 
inspiration of Love, of God's ever-presence, so rilled 
their thought that radiant smiles and boundless 
energy for work were manifested. 

The party left the train about seven o'clock and 
proceeded to the hotel, where they were met by a 
member of the Halifax church, who gratefully re- 
ported that all the Christian Scientists were safe. The 
goods brought by the Committee were taken to the 
Masonic Hall, the central relief station for the dis- 
tribution of all clothing and were immediately dis- 
tributed to the destitute people who awaited relief. 
The Christian Science literature they had carried was 
taken to the Immigration Office from whence it was 
distributed to hotels, news stands, churches, and the 
Y. M. C. A. All were eager to receive it, especially 
the Monitors, as no newspapers had entered Halifax 
since the morning of the catastrophe. 

During their stay our party worked with the gen- 
eral committee at the Masonic Hall in distributing 
clothing to those who had lost all they possessed. 
When there came a shortage of particular articles of 
clothing, some member of the Committee would go to 
local stores and buy these goods. At other times they 
took to the stores those individuals who needed spe- 
cial garments and were unable to obtain correct sizes 
or kinds from the miscellaneous supplies at the relief 
station. Again, when there appeared a lack of sup- 
plies to fill rush orders for the refugees, someone on 
the Committee completed the order by purchasing the 

63 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

needed articles at local stores. The ready cash at hand 
was thus utilized to best advantage at these particular 
crises. 

In the meantime, in Boston, arrangements were 
made for special collections in The Mother Church, 
and also in many of the branch churches in other 
cities, and the Comforts Forwarding Committee pre- 
pared to gather clothing and supplies. Many indi- 
viduals, learning of the need, sent donations. The 
following are examples of the many messages re- 
ceived : 

"I enclose a check for fifty dollars as a contribution for 
the Halifax Relief Fund. I see by the Monitor that the need 
is still great, and am grateful to have the chance to share a 
small amount with those in need." 

"I enclose one dollar for the Halifax Relief Fund. It is 
very small, but I wanted to add this to the collection taken 
Sunday, for which I was not prepared. I am so grateful to 
the Directors of The Mother Church for their beautiful and 
generous response to the cry for help from Halifax. It is an 
inspiration for me to work better." 

The Christian Science Board of Directors wired 
the Relief Committee that they would supply a fully 
equipped field kitchen, with four men, and also food 
if needed. In view of the improved conditions, this 
offer could not be accepted, but the chairmen of the 
different committees in Halifax expressed their deep 
appreciation for the offer. On every side the Christian 
Science Committee heard words of commendation for 
their own work and for the generosity of the Christian 
Science Church. 

One of the prominent committee chairmen said to 
two members, and later to a third member of the 

64 



HELPING HALIFAX 

Christian Science Committee: "I have never wit- 
nessed such a manifestation of true Christianity in my 
life. In the past I have always spoken against Chris- 
tian Science, but I have done it for the last time." An 
extract from his letter, written upon the return of the 
Committee to Boston, is interesting: 

"There is one outstanding feature in connection with the 
whole affair, and that is the promptitude with which the 
people of Boston and Massachusetts in general came to our 
assistance. . . . No words of mine can express to you, your 
party, and your Church, the thanks of Halifax for the 
promptness with which you arrived on the scene, the goods 
you brought with you, and last but not least, the sympathy 
you showed and the willingness with which you undertook 
any work that came first to your hand." 

A physician of Greater Boston, who was in Hali- 
fax on relief work, in a letter to the Committee on its 
return to Boston, wrote the following: 

"Your whole committee proved their worth many times 
over, by their ever-readiness to do the most menial tasks, and 
to give aid to everyone who was in need, and indeed there 
were many. May I thank you again for the courtesy you 
showed us, and accept this as an appreciation of the altru- 
istic attitude of your Committee as a whole." 

The coming of the Committee clearly brought joy 
and inspiration to the Christian Scientists of Halifax. 
After the explosion took place, many were depressed, 
and were glad to receive this comforting aid. Many 
told of the uplift of thought which came to them when 
they received word of what the Directors of The 
Mother Church had planned. The Wednesday eve- 
ning meeting was one never to be forgotten. Expres- 
sion after expression of gratitude was given for the 

65 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

protection received by the individuals through their 
understanding of the teachings of Christian Science. 
Out of a congregation of about eighty people, only 
one had been injured physically, and that one only 
slightly. All who spoke expressed deepest thanks to 
the Board of Directors for the loving thought which 
prompted them to send aid through the Committee. 
It seemed at this meeting as if all present opened 
their hearts and gave full vent to the love and grati- 
tude they felt: gratitude to God, to Christ Jesus, the 
Wayshower, to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, to 
the Board of Directors of The Mother Church, and 
to the Relief Committee. Those present will never 
forget the wonderful inspiration received and the love 
and gratitude expressed by all. 

At the conclusion of the regular meeting, the mem- 
bers of the church congregated in an adjoining room. 
They were told by our Committee of the money ready 
for their use in restoring the church edifice and in 
aiding the members and others who were in need. 

A Committee was appointed by the Directors of 
The Mother Church in Boston, consisting of Chris- 
tian Scientists of Halifax, to whom was given author- 
ity to expend the funds donated by the Christian 
Science field. The relief afforded by the funds was 
not limited to any religious creed. The Committee co- 
operated with the existing relief organizations and 
social workers, in order that their work might not 
overlap the activity of the others. Certain cases which 
the public funds could not properly and fully relieve 
were the special care of the Committee. Appropriate 
memoranda were kept, forming a basis for the investi- 
gation of each claim brought to the attention of the 
Committee by the Halifax Commission. 

66 




o 





ft 

s 

cs 

o 







HELPING HALIFAX 

From the very start, the work was done quietly and 
effectively. First, the Christian Science Church 
structure was repaired, and no claim was presented 
to the city or to their Commission for damages to the 
church property. Next, those members of the church 
who had suffered damages to their homes were re- 
imbursed. Then individual cases of great need were 
investigated and helped. Donations were made to 
various organizations which were engaged in helping 
the sufferers: the Y. M. C. A., Community Hall, 
Protestant Orphans' Home, Halifax Playgrounds 
Commission, Halifax Welfare Bureau, the Jost 
Mission under Methodist Auspices, Bureau of Social 
Service, Y. W. C. A. and the Old Ladies' Home. 
Braille Christian Science literature was provided for 
the blind. A number of one-year subscriptions to the 
Monitor were placed in hotels, the Naval Y. M. C. A., 
and given to some prominent social workers. Lastly, 
the Committee, in agreement with the Board of 
Directors of The Mother Church, established a down- 
town reading room, in order to reach the public in a 
more direct way than the former reading room in the 
church structure could do. Here was a great oppor- 
tunity to reach soldiers, sailors, and refugees from the 
devastated region, and the establishment of the read- 
ing room could truly aid the situation created by the 
explosion. As the Committee had gone a long way 
toward helping along material lines, they felt that 
now there should be an opportunity to make Chris- 
tian Science felt locally through its literature and 
periodicals. The Christian Science Church in Halifax 
aided in the support of this downtown reading room. 
The amounts expended by the Committee are given 
elsewhere. 

67 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

The following are excerpts from a few of the many 
letters of appreciation for the aid rendered through 
the Christian Science Halifax Relief Committee: 

"I wish to acknowledge with grateful appreciation the 
receipt of your generous check of $25 for the benefit of the 
girls who lost their sight in the explosion. I regret that you 
can only enjoy a reflection of the pleasure it has given me to 
supply them with a comfortable chair for use in the 
morning." 

"On behalf of the Committee of Management of the Old 
Ladies' Home, I thank you for the kind gift of one hundred 
dollars towards the equipment of our kitchenette, and fifty 
dollars towards the support and comfort of Mrs. X." 

"I want to thank you most warmly for the way in which 
you have helped me in my recent illness. I received your 
checks weekly, and found them most acceptable. I am so glad 
to be able to go to work again." 

"Enclosed please find receipted bill for $50, generously 
given to Mrs. B by your committee for her board and care. 
Will you allow me to express our thanks and appreciation 
to the givers for their wish to help one who has suffered 
severely because of the explosion. I telephoned my personal 
thanks for the $25 you sent me. This note gives me an extra 
chance to say 'Thank you' many times for your most un- 
expected gift to one who certainly has been in no uncertain 
way a victim of the terrible disaster of December 6th, in 
material things. In closing, I would like to add that I appre- 
ciate more than all the kindly way you listened to my tale 
of woe in behalf of a few of the sufferers of the disaster. 
The thought of burdens lightened may well give to all those 
who have given so largely in dollars for relief, the rest that 
comes each night with the knowledge that someone, some- 
where, is the better for our giving and doing." 

68 



HELPING HALIFAX 

"Owing to the pressure of work involved in the removal 
of the old ladies back to their home, the Committee of Man- 
agement has not been able to hold its regular monthly meet- 
ing, but I cannot longer refrain from acknowledging the 
most kind and exceedingly welcome gift of your Committee. 
The old ladies have lost so many things dear to them from 
old associations, as well as much that was useful, and have 
been so brave, cheerful, and courageous all through, that 
we are rejoiced to be able, through your munificent and most 
thoughtful gift, to make up to them their personal losses. 
With sincerest thanks to your Committee and yourself for 
this further kindness." 

"Permit me to thank you for your letter and a cheque for 
$1000 which I received this morning to be applied to the 
Playground work on the Exhibition Grounds and Commons. 
I shall bring this matter before the Playground Association 
at an early date and they will, I know, express their thanks 
to you. ... It is a most generous gift and I know will 
'bring large returns in the development of character of the 
children who have been stricken in the Halifax disaster." 



69 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

NEWSPAPER COMMENT ON HALIFAX 
EXPEDITION 

CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS DO RELIEF WORK 

Nonpareil, Council Bluffs, Iowa, December 17, 1917 

Editor Nonpareil : — Splendid work was done by the Chris- 
tian Scientists of Boston in rushing aid to the stricken city 
of Halifax. Finding* no through train from Boston available 
on Saturday, the day of the recent disaster in that city, 
representatives of the church arranged for a special train 
which left Boston in a storm, but outran it, and speeded 
northward carrying aid to the Halifax sufferers in the 
shape of clothing and supplies as well as $10,000 in cash and 
letters of credit. 

When it became known in Boston that this special train 
had been arranged for, other relief workers asked permission 
to take passage on it, which was readily granted and thirty 
or forty Red Cross workers and physicians with supplies 
accompanied the Scientists. 

A collection taken Sunday in The First Church of Christ, 
Scientist, in Boston amounted to $4693.04. There was no 
time to give notice in advance of this collection. Collections 
were also arranged by many of the branch churches, which 
have not yet been reported. 

Post, Chicago, Illinois, December 13, 1917 

Boston, December 13. — The presence of doctors and 
nurses on board a Christian Science special seems a strange 
contradiction. Yet it happened on the relief train sent by 
the Christian Science Board of Directors here to the imme- 
diate succor of Halifax. It became known today that the 
Directors chartered a special in order to rush thru $10,000 
contributed in cash and thousands of dollars' worth of food 
and warm clothing. As the train was being made up, city 

70 



HELPING HALIFAX 

hall officials telephoned that a number of physicians, sur- 
geons and trained nurses wished to make the trip, and found 
that it was practically impossible. They, therefore, asked per- 
mission to go on the Christian Science special. Permission 
was instantly granted and some forty doctors and their 
assistants rode to Halifax in company with the Christian 
Scientists. , 

Daily Times Journal, Fort William, Ontario, Canada, 
December 19, 1917 

The Christian Scientists of Boston, Mass., magnificently 
came to the assistance of the stricken people of Halifax, 
when they sent a special train from the Massachusetts capi- 
tal bearing relief of all kinds in clothing, provisions and sup- 
plies for the suffering, homeless and destitute. 

The train was met at St. John by a committee of promi- 
nent business men. Accompanying this splendid donation was 
the sum of $10,000 in cash. Hearing of the departure of the 
relief special, thirty or forty Red Cross officials asked per- 
mission to accompany the train, and leave was willingly 
granted. It was an unusual spectacle — a train of relief from 
the mother Christian Scientist church in Boston, with lead- 
ing church officials in charge, and Red Cross officers with 
them, all bent on the one errand of mercy — the relief of suf- 
fering. A collection taken in the mother Christian Science 
church in Boston last Sunday for the Halifax relief fund, in 
answer to an appeal, elicited the splendid response of 
$4693.14. Special appeals were made in Port Arthur last 
Sunday in the Christian Science church, and when the returns 
are all in it is expected that $50 will be forthcoming from 
this small coterie of generous people. 

Argus Leader, Sioux Palls, South Dakota, 
December 18, 1917 

Sorrow and suffering are often the mellowing influence 
required to drive the steel from the hearts of men. With all 

71 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

its horror and terrific toll, the world war brings its good, its 
softer tones and better aims. 

When the explosion occurred at Halifax with its tre- 
mendous loss of life and havoc wrought about the city, the 
Christian Science society at Boston jumped into the breach 
with practical aid. 

Its directors chartered a special train to Halifax, took 
along $10,000 in cash raised from their members, and loaded 
it down with clothing, food and necessary supplies. The Red 
Cross and some charitable organizations had desired to take 
the same steps but were unable to secure transportation. 
They asked permission of the Christian Scientists to ship 
aboard their special and it was promptly granted. 

This train impelled by love and helpfulness, the right 
thing at the right time, rushed on to Halifax with Christian 
Scientists and doctors rubbing elbows. Each aimed at the 
same goal, each was on a mission of mercy, inspired by love 
of God to help their fellow man who needed aid. 

'Tis said that sorrow makes us all akin. Each is created 
in the image of Divinity and controlled by one Intelligence. 

Do soldiers in the trenches stop to question by what faith 
their comrades seek to enter heaven? When facing death do 
they inquire the church to which the other fellow belongs? 
They only know that he is one of them — their fellow man. 

And with the war comes tolerance of other men's ideals, 
the love that grows from common cause. With back to wall, 
with heads held high in righteousness, we all must face the 
foe that threatens liberty, 



News Tribune, Duluth, Minnesota, December 20, 1917 

STRANGE BEDFELLOWS 

Catastrophe, as well as war and politics, makes strange 
bedfellows. But nothing stranger has happened than this. 
As soon as the wreck of Halifax was flashed to Boston, The 
Mother Church of Christian Science raised $10,000 in cash, 

72 



HELPING HALIFAX 

secured a special train, loaded it with supplies and with the 
cash and supplies was ready to speed relief to the stricken 
city. 

The officials of Boston, trying to get a special train, found 
the Scientists were a lap ahead of them, and special trains 
are not easy to get these days. The Red Cross made a like 
discovery. Both city and Red Cross hurried to The Mother 
Church officials. 

On schedule time that train pulled away from Boston 
loaded with the workers, supplies and money of the Church 
of Christ, Scientist, with doctors and medicines from the 
city of Boston and with nurses and supplies from the Red 
Cross. 

Where has there been a more splendid sinking of human 
belief and opinion, of religious and personal prejudice, the 
forgetting of all revilings and enmities, in the bigger, nobler, 
holier faith in a common humanity? It recalls the tenth and 
eleventh Beatitudes, 



73 



IV 

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CAMP WEL- 
FARE COMMITTEE 

As the great camp cities, scattered throughout the 
United States, established for the training of the 
army-to-be, took form in the summer and early fall 
of 1917, the necessity of providing for the spiritual 
welfare of the soldier Scientists already gathered there 
in considerable numbers began to press for attention. 

Exclusion by the War Department of all religious 
and benevolent organizations excepting the Y. M. 
<C. A. and the Knights of Columbus, a ruling later 
greatly modified, made the problem at first a rather 
difficult one. It had been hoped to erect in each camp 
a Christian Science building capable of accommodat- 
ing good-sized groups of soldiers during their leisure 
hours and also of housing one or more Christian Sci- 
ence practitioners whose services would thus be imme- 
diately and constantly available. The ruling referred 
to, however, made this at least temporarily impossible 
and other means had to be devised. 

While these were being sought, the demand from 
many parts of the country that something be done for 
the men in camp became increasingly insistent. Chris- 
tian Scientists traveling in the South called attention 
to the fact that in many of the camp towns in that 
section there were few if any Scientists and that no 
provision was being made for the Science men in the 

74 




Christian Science War Relief Building and Workers' Cottage, 
Camp Lewis, Washington 




Auditorium and Reading Room, Camp Lewis, Washington 




Corner of Writing Room, War Relief Building, 
Camp Lewis, Washington 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

army, adding an urgent plea that something be done 
at once to supply literature, practitioners and, if pos- 
sible, an assembly room for them. Mothers of boys 
who had entered the service wrote asking what pro- 
vision was being made for the spiritual welfare of their 
sons who would soon be far from the home influence 
and surrounded by new and strange conditions. Inter- 
ested friends and relatives added their voices to the 
growing appeal that steps be taken at once to make 
Christian Science available to the men in service. 

A new note was introduced when groups of churches 
and societies in the neighborhood of some of the north- 
ern camps wrote asking sanction for plans they were 
considering for establishing and maintaining a purely 
local activity and this was emphasized when, from the 
Northwest, came a telegram one day asking approval 
for a plan to build a Welfare house at Camp Lewis 
for which several thousand dollars had already been 
pledged. In fact, in some instances, the demand had 
seemingly required the taking of steps in advance of 
any general plan, and both in Northern and Southern 
California, in San Francisco and San Diego, well- 
appointed rooms for the exclusive use of soldiers and 
sailors were in operation, the expense being borne by 
the churches and societies of the towns and cities adja- 
cent to these centers. Somewhat similar action had 
been taken by the Scientists of Greater New York 
and a well-defined local scheme was virtually ready 
to be put into operation when that of The Mother 
Church was submitted. Needless to say the New York 
churches immediately adopted the larger plan, endors- 
ing it enthusiastically at a State Conference of 
Churches and Societies early in December, 1917. The 

75 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

church at Battle Creek, Michigan, assisted financially 
by a number of other Michigan churches, was doing a 
considerable work at Camp Custer at this time, some- 
thing like eight hundred Monitors being distributed 
daily. The Literature Distribution Committee of the 
Chicago churches was also serving the men at the 
Naval Training Station at Great Lakes, Illinois, and 
The Mother Church had itself rendered some aid at 
Camp Devens at Ayer, Massachusetts, and at Camp 
Lee in Virginia. The Junction City, Kansas, church 
had also instituted a work at Camp Funston and 
aided by contributions of literature from the Publica- 
tion Committee for that State, was doing effective' 
work. Thus from many directions and in differing 
ways was coming the evidence, accumulating daily, 
that the Christian Science field was ready, yes, willing, 
even anxious, to undertake the task. 

During this period the Christian Science Board of 
Directors, mindful of the ruling of the War Depart- 
ment and equally so of the growing need, earnestly 
sought a solution of the problem thus presented. In 
November of 1917 the Board appointed a Christian 
Science Camp Welfare Committee and delegated to it 
the working out of a suitable plan to accomplish the 
desired result. The Committee set to work at once, vis- 
ited several of the large camps, studied the needs care- 
fully and soon developed a plan that gave promise of 
meeting the requirements of the Christian Science 
men in the service as well as any others who might be 
inclined to accept the aid of the Committee and which 
at the same time met the conditions imposed by the 
War Department. The basic thought in the plan was, 
first of all, to render a tireless service to all men in the 

76 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

army at all times, day or night. This of course was to 
include physical healing by Christian Science methods, 
and the supply of Christian Science books and lit- 
erature to whatever extent might be justified by the 
circumstances. This service was to be rendered by 
Camp Workers who would visit the camps daily and 
remain only as long as their work required. It was 
hoped that such a service would quickly justify itself 
and result in official permission for these Workers to 
live permanently in the camps, in homes provided 
either by our Committee or the Government itself. 
The plan also included a definite form of organiza- 
tion whereby the Christian Science Churches and So- 
cieties of each state were to appoint a War Relief 
Committee to supervise the work locally and to act as 
the link between them and The Mother Church Com- 
mittee in Boston. To these State. Committees the 
burden of the work was entrusted, as well as much of 
its responsibility, including the gathering of funds 
with which to carry it on. 

With some minor changes the scheme was adopted 
by the Board of Directors and a notice was imme- 
diately sent by them to the three largest churches in 
each state advising them of the appointment of the 
Committee and stating that the Manager of the Com- 
mittee would be available to explain the plan and 
assist in the organization of the work in their state if 
desired. 

Through the instant and hearty cooperation of the 
churches the Manager of the Committee was enabled 
by the end of January, 1918, to visit and assist in the 
organization of the work in thirty or more states and 
in a notably brief space of time work was under way in 
a considerable number of camps. 

77 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Organization continued uninterruptedly until the 
United States was fully covered and the work in and 
out of the camps grew rapidly month by month as 
Christian Scientists learned more of what was being 
accomplished and of its value. Under this plan the 
activities reached their highest point in October of 
1918. At that time there were employed by the Com- 
mittee over two hundred men and women distributed 
throughout the camps, hospitals, barracks and various 
training centers in the United States and abroad. The 
record of the work done by these men and women con- 
stitutes a story of unwonted activity, of unselfish devo- 
tion to duty and one unusually rich with incidents 
testifying to the efficacy of the service rendered. A 
detailed history of the work of any one of them would 
in most cases require a volume larger than this report, 
though it would be replete with interest throughout. 

The rapidity with which the organization of the 
Camp Welfare Committee was perfected, the unity 
of thought and action expressed by Scientists every- 
where, the astonishing results that immediately and 
continuously rewarded the ministrations of the Work- 
ers in camp and hospital, all testify to the readiness of 
the Christian Science movement to respond whole- 
heartedly to every proper call made upon it and give 
evidence of its efficiency in hours of emergency. 



78 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

IN CAMP AND TRAINING STATION 

To give the reader a clear understanding of the plan 
of organization adopted by the entire Christian Sci- 
ence field and put into operation so promptly, a de- 
tailed description of the procedure in a single state 
will suffice. Virginia may be chosen as typical, because 
of the varied lines of war activity represented there. 
Besides the great training camp at Petersburg, named 
Camp Lee, in honor of that beloved leader of the 
South, there were five important embarkation camps 
in the Tide Water District, known as Camps Morri- 
son, Hill, Stuart, Alexander and Eustis. There was 
also Langley Field, an aviation center, a balloon 
school, as well as trench mortar and anti-aircraft 
schools, ammunition train and army supply bases. In 
the same district was located our greatest naval base. 
The Grand Fleet lay off Yorktown. Thousands of 
men were stationed at the navy yard at Norfolk and 
the big naval hospital at the same place was usually 
filled. Hampton Roads, Old Point Comfort and the 
naval operating base opposite were veritable hives 
of industry. Including both arms of the service there 
were probably never less than two hundred thousand 
soldiers and sailors in Virginia during the spring, 
summer and fall of 1918, to be served by our Com- 
mittee. To meet adequately the varying needs of these 
numbers of men was the problem. 

With this in mind, representatives of the three 
largest churches of Virginia met on January 6, 1918, 
and elected a State Camp Welfare Committee. This 
election was later ratified by the remaining churches 
and societies of the state. The Committee at once took 

79 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

in hand the organization of the large task before them 
and soon had Workers at Camp Lee, Norfolk, New- 
port News and Hampton. Rooms were established at 
these four points and attendants placed in charge. At 
its maximum the work in Virginia required twelve 
persons, eight Workers and four Welfare Room 
attendants. Five automobiles were purchased for the 
Workers with the land forces and two boats for those 
who were to serve the forces afloat, and for many- 
months thereafter, members of the Committee had 
little time for any activity save that connected with 
the army and navy. The expenditure of large sums 
of money necessitated great care and thought. Direc- 
tion of the group of Workers stationed at widely 
separated points required much time, and the ever- 
present desire to do more and more each day to 
extend the work until it should reach every single 
man and place, no matter how remote, permitted no 
cessation of activity. A diagram of the Tide Water 
District is reproduced to aid the reader in forming an 
idea of the task performed by the Virginia Committee 
and its corps of Workers. In the section of this chapter 
devoted to the work in the navy will be found further 
details. 

Unusual features in connection with the early devel- 
opment of the work were to be found in many states. 
The Massachusetts Committee in caring for the sol- 
diers and sailors in and immediately adjacent to 
Boston alone, found it necessary to employ three 
Workers and an assistant. Camp Devens, in the same 
state, was the first to have a regularly appointed 
Camp Worker, though volunteer work had previously 
been done in at least two camps elsewhere. The con- 

80 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

dition in North and South Carolina was unique, for 
here one Committee, with its headquarters in Char- 
lotte, North Carolina, cared for the work at the 
numerous points in the two states. Texas, also, with 
its great size and splendid distances, found a slight 
departure from the general scheme necessary, and 
appointing a local Committee of five or more persons 
at each of the camp towns, brought these under one 
head by choosing a single individual as Manager of all 
the Committees in the state, with headquarters in 
Dallas. This person was a paid Worker and regularly 
visited the various points of activity in the state, aid- 
ing and in a general way directing the work every- 
where. The service to men along the Mexican border 
conducted from El Paso carried the Worker for many 
miles up and down a desolate and much-neglected part 
of the army world and for this reason was doubly 
welcome. The mammoth aviation fields, Kelly I and 
Kelly II, at San Antonio, presented exceptional 
opportunities and the men in this branch were most 
appreciative of our efforts. There were eighteen 
authorized Workers and assistants under the super- 
vision of the Texas State Manager, and nine automo- 
biles were in constant use. The perfect teamwork of 
this large force was a source of constant gratitude to 
all concerned. 

Formation of the Tank Corps School at Gettys- 
burg gave Pennsylvania the opportunity to employ 
its second regular Camp Worker, the first being the 
naval Worker at Philadelphia. The Ambulance 
Training School at Allentown, in the same State, was 
also cared for by an authorized Worker and the needs 
of Pittsburgh were likewise provided for. The marines 

81 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

stationed at Quantico, Virginia, and Paris Island, 
South Carolina, were given special attention at the 
first point by authorized Workers at Washington, 
District of Columbia, and at the second by resident 
Workers. At Paris Island the work was characterized 
by an especial degree of cordiality exhibited by the 
officials in charge, and was so greatly appreciated that 
an effort was made to induce the Committee to estab- 
lish a permanent representative there. 

The service rendered to the submarine fleet at New 
London, Connecticut, at the naval base at Newport, 
Rhode Island, and among the ships that visited the 
harbor at Portland, Maine, was of a somewhat differ- 
ent character from that performed elsewhere, and 
developed qualities in the Workers which proved them 
to be versatile as well as willing and tireless. 

The Workers in the Quartermasters' Training 
Camp at Jacksonville, where the shining white sands 
of the St. John River merged into the deep pine forest 
of the mainland, as well as those at Key West and 
Pensacola, proved their efficiency during long seasons 
of heat and epidemic. 

The Wisconsin Committee, although representing 
a non-cantonment state, rendered a big service to the 
families and friends of men at the front by securing 
prompt information as to their conditions and needs. 

The work in the spruce camps of Oregon was pecul- 
iar to that state. The loggers and lumberjacks felt 
the hospitality of Christian Science out in the deep 
woods and their response was immediate and hearty. 
The Christian Science Monitor was accepted with 
eagerness and the vest-pocket Song Book with enthu- 
siasm, for under the leadership of our Worker, who 

82 




Christian Science War Relief Room near Camp Taylor, Kentucky 




Christian Science War Relief Rooms, Des Moines, Iowa 




The Rooms in Hohoken, New Jersey 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

was a musician, these children of the woods learned to 
love our hymns and to sing them with great feeling. 

Virtually every state in the Union maintained a 
War Relief Committee which carried on its functions 
in a thoroughly satisfactory manner and the foregoing 
states have been singled out for special mention only 
because the work within their borders was somewhat 
out of the ordinary. 

In this general survey, mention may properly be 
made of hospital work done for soldiers and sailors at 
points outside of the larger camps and cantonments, 
sometimes by regular Workers and oftentimes by 
volunteers. As indicative of the method employed by 
the men and women who participated in this activity, 
the following letter, written by one of them in Decem- 
ber of 1918, is cited. 

"Since my last report many good things have happened. 
Perhaps the most prominent in my thought is the following: 
After inoculation with serums a student officer was stricken 
with sickness. He was mentally deranged, paralyzed in hands 
and feet, totally blind in one eye and nearly so in the other, 
and had set the day to die. A friend had recommended Chris- 
tian Science treatment and had written to me about him. The 
letter was received after the patient had been in the hospital 
two days. He was in a ward for the insane. The doctor did 
not want me to see him hut finally consented. 

"Our friend listened to what I had to say but was so anx- 
ious to have some letters written to settle insurance and busi- 
ness matters, and to make arrangements for his burial, that 
the best thing I knew to do was to satisfy him. In three days 
he was going to die and he wanted his worldly affairs attended 
to. Soon after I began to write for him he was relieved to 
such an extent that I told him I would not write another line. 
Reasons for this action were given to which he readily 
assented. I told him that he had sent for me because I had 

83 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

something for him which no one around there knew how to 
give. Others could write his letters and I would proceed to do 
the good I knew how to do. To this he agreed and what had 
been written was then torn up. The next half hour was spent 
in telling him of simple truths he could easily understand. 

"Next day I returned. Our friend was tremendously 
cheered. In civil life he had been a school-teacher and as he 
could not read now I asked him if he knew 'The Ancient 
Mariner.' Immediately he began to quote it with spirit and 
effect. He knew little of Christian Science but he did know 
'The Ancient Mariner.' That was enough! That part where 
the Mariner felt a little love in his heart and saw that all 
things began to take on a new aspect was metaphysically 
explained and dwelt upon. From that moment there was a 
'ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to 
heaven : and behold the angels of God ascending and descend- 
ing on it.' 

"The day he had expected to die he was moved from the 
insane ward to one for nervous troubles. Here the doctor was 
openly hostile. He could not stop me from visiting but he 
used up the two-hour period as much as he could by having 
something done to the patient during that time. For a week 
this doctor and others had a new experiment to try each day. 
One day it was to be an operation on the spine, another on 
the head. Always he or others were intending to do something 
for the patient but they never did, although our friend was 
taken to the operating room twice and then sent back for 
further diagnosis. Daily the case appeared different to the 
doctors, so that what would be decided upon for the follow- 
ing day, the patient would then be found unsuited for. Things 
came to such a pass that it required higher demonstration. 

"About this time I was reading Jacob's experience with 
Esau at the ford Jabbok. It was evident that Jacob had to 
realize the metaphysical concept of 'brother' or meet with 
certain destruction. After that famous meeting Esau asked 
Jacob a question and he answered, 'I have seen thy face, as 

84 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased 
with me,' and that reply satisfied each brother. This fact 
held my attention and after carefully studying the situation 
I came to the conclusion that Jacob had seen 'brother' as the 
reflection of Principle — 'as though I had seen the face of 
God,' he said. I must therefore think of 'doctor' in the same 
way, and I did. I came to the conclusion that 'hospital' might 
represent that which aids men to be well and whole, and 
'doctor' that consciousness which knows and ministers to 
every man as a brother. 

"About this time a miracle seemed to happen. I did not go 
to the hospital till the day after and I found our friend 
was decidedly improved. He and another patient both told 
the same thing unknown to each other. In substance it was 
this. The doctor became gentle and considerate to all in the 
ward. There was a marked improvement in the health of all 
the patients. For a week I went to see our friend but never 
met the doctor. He was letting my patient alone except to be 
pleased at his rapid recovery. At the end of the week this 
ward had sent all of its patients to the convalescent wards or 
returned them to their organizations. Also my friend was 
active in all his functions, perfectly well and fit, so far as I 
could see. I gave him my post office address with the request 
to write me if he needed me again. I have not met him since 
but am informed he was soon after discharged — a well man." 

With such healings attending the efforts of the 
Workers, it was little wonder that the usual reluctance 
of the medical practitioner to consent to the presence 
of Christian Scientists in the hospitals was somewhat 
modified. This greater spirit of tolerance was mani- 
fested not only in camps and training areas, but in the 
hospitals in and near the large cities temporarily 
loaned to the army and navy. Volunteer and regular 
Workers served successfully in the hospitals of Bos- 
ton, New York, Minneapolis, Denver, Chicago, Wash- 

85 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

ington, Toronto and elsewhere. Meanwhile Workers 
regularly stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri; 
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort McPherson, Geor- 
gia; Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and the shell shock and 
tuberculosis hospitals near Asheville, North Carolina, 
were reporting interesting cases of healing, some of 
which are recorded elsewhere in this volume. 

Having given the reader this brief outline of the 
Camp Welfare work in general, we now proceed to 
mention in more detail the several lines of activity 
which characterized the work everywhere. For conven- 
ience these have been grouped under different head- 
ings. The first, "Daily Deeds," deals with the most 
conspicuous details of the daily routine of Camp Wel- 
fare Workers. The second, "Quiet Resting Places," 
gives an interesting account of the various buildings 
and rooms operated by the Committee. The third, 
"Our Only Preachers," tells of the Christian Science 
services held throughout the world by the men in khaki 
and blue. The fourth, "He Sent His Word," gives 
some idea of what was accomplished by distribution of 
Christian Science literature. The fifth, "With the 
Forces Afloat," is a brief story of what was done for 
the boys of the navy. 



86 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 



DAILY DEEDS 

A recruit sitting near a Camp Welfare Worker 
one day suddenly called out: 

"What line are you in, big boy?" 

"I'm not in the army line, if that's what you mean." 

"Then what are you doing out here?" persisted the 
recruit. 

"I'm a Welfare Worker." 

"Welfare Worker, what's that?" 

"A Welfare Worker is a man who hunts for sol- 
diers for whom he can do favors." A long silence en- 
sued, then — 

"Whew! You're a rare bird." 

Helpfulness — this was the keynote of our Workers' 
efforts in the camps. They made the welfare or well- 
being of the enlisted men their responsibility and as 
one soldier expressed it, "when one fares well by the 
help of Christian Science, he fares well in every phase 
of his being — mental, moral and physical." 

Probably nothing will indicate better the variety 
of service performed by a Camp Welfare Worker 
than to quote from the report of one who describes a 
typical day's work. 

"In the early morning the Camp Worker awakens with 
the birds. His thought reaches out for more spiritual light 
as he gives a number of treatments to the faithful soldiers 
who have applied for help and who are so earnestly striving 
to meet their strenuous problems. 

"Later he finds his way to the camp to deliver the Moni- 
tors and other parcels from the Camp Welfare Committee, 
conscious that his times are in God's hands, and that each 
moment will bring forth fruitage. 

87 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"First, he inquires of the railroad representative when 
the next troop trains will leave, that he may distribute 
Monitors on them. Then, in crossing the street to the post 
office for his mail, he is approached by a stranger — a shy, 
diffident country boy who has evidently just been drafted 
and who has a letter to the Commanding Officer, a mile or 
so down the camp. So the Worker invites him to get into the 
machine and they start for the Receiving Office. On the way 
there he makes a stop at the Fire Department headquarters, 
where twenty-five Monitors are left. Then the Receiving 
Station is reached, where the young patriot is to be initiated 
into a new experience and gain a larger vision of world 
events. 

"It was Love's direction to perform this kindly service and 
to give a few words of loving counsel, which seemed greatly 
appreciated. But now, in its own way, Love seemed to halt 
all activities and to direct the Worker to take time to read 
the recent Monitors which he had just received at the post 
office. So, quietly and leisurely, in the face of many things 
demanding his time, he drove his car to an open space 
near by the receiving tents and began to read the Monitor. 
Why he should have taken even this twenty minutes in the 
midst of an overfull day of duties was not at the time just 
clear to him, but since he felt peaceful about it, he enjoyed 
the recreation and feast of good things that the reading 
brought. The reason for this pause, however, was soon made 
clear when presently, an officer, seeing the lettering on the 
car, stepped up to the machine with the exclamation that 
he had been looking for the Camp Worker for several days 
but had been unable to find him. He was most anxious to 
obtain a vest-pocket Science and Health and to have a 
conversation along metaphysical lines. Just then another 
young man approached who also wanted a Science and 
Health. Then a Y. M. C. A. Worker who was passing by 
said, 'Haven't you got one of those little books to give me?' 
and added, 'You know when you and your wife first came to 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

camp I wondered how you had ever taken up with such a 
thing as I thought Christian Science to be. Then I watched 
you and your work, and it seemed to me that you had some- 
thing that others did not have, and the first thing I knew I 
wished I could know something more about Christian Science 
from the standpoint of the Christian Scientist himself. I read 
some of the Monitors that I found in the hut, and then, as 
you will remember, I had an hour's talk with you one day. 
During the talk a burn on my hand was healed, and now I 
really want to read Science and Health.' Then followed 
another talk of a half hour or so, and a Science and Health 
was given to the Secretary, who proved to be an Episcopalian 
minister. 

"Starting on his way, the Camp Worker remembered that 
a man in the Fire Station a block away had inquired for 
him, so this was the next call, which lasted some time, and 
after a most interesting talk another Science and Health 
was given to the interested beginner. From here the Worker 
went to the barracks to deliver Monitors to all the officers 
in the regiment. 

"After this he sought an interview with a certain Colonel 
who had been none too courteous at a previous call when 
consent had been given to distribute the Monitor to only 
fifteen out of his two hundred officers. Good work had been 
done in the meantime however, and thus the interview was 
pleasant and profitable, and arrangements were made to send 
the paper daily for a month to each of his two hundred 
officers. Having carefully read various articles in the Monitor 
the hour before, the Worker was able to point out to the 
Colonel the vital things in the copies which he showed him. 

"It was noon and time to go to the Hostess House, where 
the Worker was to take lunch with four Y. M. C. A. Secre- 
taries, as a member of the committee for making plans to 
take a religious census of the new recruits. It was a source 
of gratification to see the kindly and respectful attitude of 
the Y. M. C. A. Workers towards any ideas presented by the 

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CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Christian Science representative, for they evidently included 
him as one of them and recognized no mental barriers. 

"From here a call was made at the base hospital to see 
a young man who, materia medica had said, 'had slim 
chances.' The Worker had been directed to this young man 
a few days before by someone who had been interested in 
him. The patient was not a Scientist and said he did not 
think he cared to have Science treatment, but that he would 
like the Worker to call again. Today he met the Worker 
with a beaming face and said, 'I feel like a different man. 
Your talk the other day almost healed me, and so I want a 
copy of Science and Health and a testament. I never felt 
so happy before, and feel sure I will soon be out of the 
hospital.' 

"Several other calls were made at the hospital and two 
copies of Science and Health were given out. Then the out- 
going troop trains were visited as soon as they were located, 
and the Worker placed 400 Monitors on them — Monitors 
which had been left over from his daily delivery because of 
a delay in their arrival, so that eight hundred had been re- 
ceived on this day. He waited until the troops were loaded 
and the trains started. As the men waved their farewells 
many had the Monitors in their hands and others were read- 
ing them. 

"And now as the day is almost over, the Worker drives over 
to the Welfare Cottage and the men soon begin to arrive for 
an evening's visit — a colonel, a lieutenant, two 'non-coms' 
and several privates, five of whom desire treatment. While 
the treatments are given in an adjoining room, those waiting 
visit together and tell of the blessings that Christian Science 
has brought into their lives. At about ten thirty they begin to 
leave. Then correspondence and records are attended to and 
the work for the next day considered. Thus ends at midnight 
one of the happiest days of the Worker's experience, and he 
thanks God for His goodness to the sons of men." 

90 




A War Relief Room and Automobile, 
Newport News, Virginia 




The Fireplace in the Building at Camp Fremont, 
California 




An arrangement for carrying literature in automobile 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

When one realizes that an army cantonment some- 
times covered thousands of acres of ground it will 
readily be seen that the Camp Workers had to be pro- 
vided with automobiles in order to cover this large 
territory, to distribute literature and to locate men in 
various parts of the camp. At one time the Committee 
owned as many as sixty-nine cars. These all bore in 
gold letters on each side the words, "Christian Science 
Camp Welfare Committee." The wisdom of marking 
the cars in this way was proved again and again. In 
one instance our Worker drove past a group of men 
who were drilling. One remarked: "There goes that 
Christian Science car. You know, my wife has been 
sick for a long time and can't get well. Seeing that 
name makes me think that she had better try Christian 
Science." His neighbor then "told him that he was a 
Scientist and advised him to ask for treatment for his 
wife, later lending him his copy of Science and 
Health. 

At another camp our Worker left his car in front 
of the library building, and returning, found a soldier 
comfortably seated in it. The lad said he felt at home 
at once and he was most grateful to hear of the Chris- 
tian Science services being held in the camp. Our 
Worker adds that this soldier was the first one to 
arrive at the service on the following Sunday. 

In one of his reports a Worker near Washington, 
D. C, says: 

"Repeatedly when I come back to the car after visiting 
the barracks, I find men waiting for me who tell me they are 
Christian Scientists and were attracted by the sign. Most of 
them are men who have recently arrived in camp and did not 
know there was a Worker. Only yesterday I stopped the car 
in front of another company of men who were lined up on one 

91 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

of the streets of Fort Myer, and when the order was given to 
dismiss, four of them walked over to the car. Three told me 
they were Scientists and wanted information, the other stood 
for a moment looking at the sign. After a moment he reached 
in his pocket and pulled out a well-worn pocket edition of the 
textbook, saying, 'I wouldn't take a hundred dollars for 
that.' " 

Another Worker tells the following: 

"One of the new boys just from Jefferson Barracks saw 
my car passing and whistled the shriek of a lusty youth to 
call my attention. I could not locate the whistle and con- 
cluded it was not for me. But the crowd knew, as the boy 
was running full speed to catch me, and by calls and yells 
from the crowd, I was stopped. He came up breathless and 
panted out : 'I say, but I am glad to get you ! I want a Science 
and Health and a Monitor. I haven't seen either for a week.' " 

Many and various were the uses to which the Camp 
Welfare car was put. On one occasion the Worker's 
car was picking a careful way over a bumpy road. 
Two women were walking along in the heat and the 
dust, going the same way. A cheerful greeting was 
called, the car door was swung invitingly wide and the 
two, with grateful words and smiles, stepped in. One 
of them, the camp librarian, with an apologetic air, 
asked the Worker if he were going to a camp several 
miles away that afternoon. The reply was affirmative. 
It was then explained that a Y. M. C. A. Secretary 
from this camp had asked for a book desired by an 
enlisted man who came to his building. The Worker 
readily agreed to deliver the book. When he entered 
the "Y" and placed the book on the counter before 
the Secretary, the latter exclaimed, "How did you 
know I wanted that book?" The case was explained 

92 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

and the Worker said, further, "How many times must 
I tell you that I stand ready always to be of service?" 

"When he says that, he means it," spoke up a "Y" 
man standing near, whom the Worker had not noticed 
before. Turning in surprise, the Christian Scientist 
saw it was somebody he had never seen. Noting the 
interrogative look, the "Y" man said: "When I was 
stationed at one of the camps in the South, whenever 
anybody wanted anything done, the Christian Science 
Camp Welfare Worker was the man they got to do it. 
That man was always going somewhere with his car 
full of something or somebody." 

Like Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians, the 
Camp Welfare Worker might have said of himself: 
"I am made all things to all men, that I might by all 
means save some." His car was known from one end 
of the camp to the other as one of the few cars upon 
the running board of which a soldier might leap at any 
time uninvited, and always be greeted with a smile and 
the welcome of a friend of long standing. 

At one camp, the Worker's car came in with a 
squad that had been left to guard baggage beside a 
railroad track a mile or two away from the barracks. 
Trucks had come for the baggage but the guard had 
been forgotten and was just starting to trudge its way 
to its tents, when discovered by the Worker. The top 
of the car was taken down, the soldiers' full packs and 
rifles and other equipment were piled in and then the 
squad mounted on top of this. They were taken to 
their encampment area in the car instead of walking 
the whole way. 

Orderlies, struggling along under big bags of home 
mail, came, in one camp at least, to look for the car 

93 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

labeled, "Christian Science Camp Welfare Commit- 
tee," for it meant the lifting of heavy burdens off 
their shoulders and an opportunity to find rest the 
remainder of the way to headquarters. 

During the quarantine period in another camp, 
when the mail accumulated at the Y. M. C. A. hostess 
house and there was nobody available to keep it going 
to the post office, in order that the relatives of the men 
might know how they were faring, the Worker, on the 
way for his own mail, would stop and get a load of 
soldiers' mail, and take it to the office, bringing back 
the mail for the hostess and her assistants. 

Again the Worker found time, together with his 
own great amount of work, to take the parents of 
men in the hospital from the railway stations to the 
wards where their boys were to be found. Coming 
from a section where but little is known of Christian 
Science or Christian Scientists these relatives and 
friends have had reason to carry away a friendly 
memory of the Welfare Worker. Of a Worker in one 
of the camps in the southeast, an officer spoke feel- 
ingly, "The day was never too long nor the night too 
dark for him to do anybody a good turn." 

Says another Worker : 

"This morning as we drove up to the post office for the 
mail, an army officer approached the car and asked that I 
drive him back to camp after some important papers that he 
had left behind. I did so. Later when we arrived at the head 
of the column we found the lads strung all along the road, 
overtaxed with their heavy packs, going up the hill. A lieu- 
tenant doctor and I worked with them for two hours carry- 
ing them up the hill and down to the boat landing. Most of 
the boys that fell out were from the hospital. I made six trips 
and then came back after the packs. A hospital ambulance 

94 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

made four trips. The officers were delighted with the 'lift' and 
were outspoken in their praise of the War Relief work." 

Says another Worker: 

"While visiting the base hospital, a telephone message 
came to the convalescent building, saying that two of the 
soldiers who were to have been taken for an automobile ride 
had been disappointed. I volunteered to take them out in our 
car. The boys were delighted. One of them had never seen 
Washington before and was much pleased with the White 
House, Government buildings, the beautiful speedway drive 
and the various points of interest." 

The automobile proved itself useful in an unusual 
way during a sand storm in Oklahoma. Our Worker 
had called to help the boys prepare for the Sunday 
service. The storm being at its height, it was impossible 
to seek the usual secluded outdoor nook. The men, 
however, drove the car near an observation tower, 
placed it with its back to the wind, put up all the cur- 
tains and found the interior an ideal place in which to 
study the lesson. 

On one occasion at least, the good deeds done by the 
camp car were returned in kind. Our Worker, upon 
visiting a patient in the base hospital, found him in 
the best of condition. "How do you get around the 
camp?" asked the soldier. The Worker answered that 
he had a Ford. The boy's face brightened, as he said: 
"I am a Ford expert. Let me fix the machine when it 
gets out of repair." This was his way of expressing 
gratitude for benefits received. 

Of our "Welfare Fleet," which was the grandiose 
designation of our two launches, more will be said in 
the chapter devoted to work in the navy. 

The Christian Science War Relief Committee also 
maintained a Home Service Department, although it 

95 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

was not dignified by that name, nor specifically organ- 
ized for that purpose. It was the natural outgrowth of 
the fact that the men in the camps and their friends 
and families at home turned to Christian Science to 
smooth out all the difficulties presented by the war — - 
and they were many and various. In this work the 
main office in Boston was naturally the clearing house 
through which these calls for help were sent out, to be 
taken care of by workers in the camps or overseas. 

For example, on October 7, 1918, a telegram was 
received in the Boston office stating that a young man 
in Camp Eustis, Virginia, was ill. His family desired 
our Worker there to visit him and report to them. 
Our Committee at once wired the Worker in Camp 
Eustis and in a day or so he reported the young man 
as being practically well again. This message was at 
once forwarded to the uncle who had sent the inquiry 
and from him we received the following grateful 
reply : 

"My wife and myself wish to express our gratitude for the 
loving help that was extended to our nephew by the Welfare 
Worker at Camp Eustis, Virginia. We wired you on October 
6 that he was ill and asked for your assistance which was 
promptly given. Our nephew has expressed to us his delight 
in receiving the pocket-size Bible which completed his pocket 
equipment for study. During the many months in which we 
have been contributing to the Welfare fund we did not realize 
how close to home the Welfare work might come and you can 
therefore appreciate the satisfaction we now have, in knowing 
that we had some part in carrying on this wonderful work 
from which we received such loving cooperation in the time of 
need." 

This service was not limited to Christian Scientists, 
of course. On one occasion a call came over the phone 

96 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

in Boston for information about a boy who was ill in 
Vancouver Barracks, Washington. A wire to our 
Worker at that point brought the following response : 
"Private B. much better. Looking forward to father's 
arrival." The Worker later wrote: 

"I went immediately to the hospital and located B. in one 
of the pneumonia wards. I was allowed but a few minutes' 
talk with him. I told him who I was and that I had been 
requested to visit him. He indicated that he did not want 
Christian Science treatment but was very appreciative and 
said he would be glad to see me again." 

The relief and comfort brought at such times to 
the anxious ones at home, can readily be imagined, yet 
it was much greater in the case of those having 
wounded boys in France. The many miles which sepa- 
rated them from their loved ones, and the knowledge 
that it was difficult, if not impossible to receive reports 
on their condition until sometimes many months had 
passed, made the efforts of our committee of great 
service to the "home folks." 

When a case which seemed urgent was reported to 
the Boston office, a cable was dispatched to the Paris 
headquarters asking that the boy be visited in person, 
if this was possible, or helped in Christian Science, if 
this was desired, or a report secured through the Gov- 
ernment Records. Sometimes the reply would be sur- 
prisingly prompt, bringing much joy to the families 
here. Then again many weeks would pass, because our 
Workers in France found the records in such a chaotic 
condition that they were often obliged to trace the 
case through many hospitals or camps. 

One instance will serve to illustrate. A letter was 
received in our office on July 24, 1918, stating that a 

97 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

certain marine had been gassed. His family, who were 
Scientists, requested treatment for him if he desired it 
and also deposited ten dollars to be delivered to him 
with a copy of the vest-pocket textbook. On August 
14 we were able to telegraph his family that our Paris 
office had cabled his condition as much improved. A 
letter which followed in due course said that a 
sergeant, a Christian Scientist, in this boy's own 
company, had been put in touch with him, that he 
had received his money and the textbook and was 
improving. 

At another time when help was requested for a 
seriously wounded soldier, on November 1, 1918, our 
Paris office reported on November 15 that he was 
receiving treatment and was doing well. 

Our Committee in England likewise gave us loving 
cooperation in such cases. In reply to a cable sent 
them about a man in an English hospital, they cabled 
that he was improving, following their report by a 
letter which read : 

"On receipt of your cable asking that Private T. should be 
visited at Bethnal Green Hospital, we got in touch with a 
practitioner who went at once to see him, and found that he 
had been badly wounded in the arm and was most anxious to 
see a Christian Scientist. Treatment was given him, and he 
wrote next day saying that there was great improvement and 
that he felt much encouraged and supported through the 
loving thought of the committee in Boston, which had been 
instrumental in meeting his need." 

Literally hundreds of calls of such a nature came 
to our Committee, and as our faithful workers proved 
so helpful in securing the information desired, the 
volume of the work increased proportionately. Very 
many requests came from those who were not Chris- 

98 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

tian Scientists and these received the same attention 
as the others. 

The demands were not always to locate wounded 
men — they were as multifarious as human needs. One 
which was constantly recurring was to get word to 
boys overseas that their families were writing regu- 
larly, or to send word to the same boys that no letters 
had been received. An interesting example of the 
former was a request sent us by a lady in Texas to 
inform her brother in England, who had been abroad 
some five months without news from home, that his 
family were all well and were writing regularly. This 
letter was forwarded to our English Committee and 
of the result the boy's own letter will speak: 

"Dear Mother and all: I heard from home today. It was 
not through a letter but through a lady who approached me 
on the street in Liverpool. She asked me my name and said 
she had a message for me from home and told me you were 
all well. She said she was a Christian Scientist. It sure made 
me feel happy." 

One other service rendered to the men should be 
mentioned — that of delivering money through our 
overseas offices. Friends in this country deposited 
money at a War Relief office in this country and our 
Paris office delivered the amount requested to the boy 
in France. Sometimes the many moves made by the 
men over there made it very difficult to reach them. 
Again the man was very promptly located. For exam- 
ple, $50 was sent to the Boston office on September 
25, 1918, to be cabled to a boy then in France. A 
letter from our Paris office dated October 22 stated 
that the check had been received and acknowledged by 
the boy in question. In several instances, also, our 

99 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

overseas office was able to advance money to men in 
France, which was refunded by the parents in this 
country or by the boys themselves upon their return. 
In such a case as this latter, our Worker at Camp 
Lewis recently sent us a check amounting to $192.30 
loaned by our Paris office to a lieutenant then in 
France. Our Worker writes : 

"Lieutenant B. expressed a great deal of gratitude for the 
favor shown him and said he was going home to tell all he 
came in contact with, of the many blessings that had come 
to him, during his service, through Christian Science." 

It is impossible to describe or even to call to memory 
the many kinds of service rendered to the men in uni- 
form. Some of the demands made upon the committee 
were ludicrous, some were tragic; some were joyous, 
some were sad; some were easy of fulfilment, some 
were difficult, but a sincere effort was always made to 
meet the need, for the Christian Science Workers 
were constantly striving, in the words of Isaiah, "to 
undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go 
free." 



100 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 



"QUIET RESTING PLACES" 

Veiy early in the establishment of the Camp Wel- 
fare work it became evident that some sort of build- 
ing was needed in each camp as a headquarters for the 
Christian Scientists. The men felt the need of a quiet 
retreat to which they could come for study and spirit- 
ual refreshment and where they could meet the 
Worker to talk over the problems which military life 
presented. Moreover, it was necessary to provide a 
room where our services could be held regularly and 
where the literature could be obtained and sent forth 
for distribution. 

Simple and homelike in structure, cozily furnished, 
with flower boxes at the windows and "Welcome" 
over the door, the Christian Science Buildings have 
been a refuge not only to young soldiers but to the 
stranger, the chaplain, the nurses and relatives of boys 
in need. Christian Scientists know, however, that 
these buildings, no matter how attractive, could never 
of themselves have met the heart's great need. It was 
the conscious realization of the presence of divine 
Love, its protecting Fatherhood and Motherhood, 
which created the loving atmosphere that attracts, 
uplifts and comforts. Many a heartsick boy having 
come to the War Relief Building and having found 
there a touch of humanity, came later on to find 
Divinity, — seeking a quiet, homey place, he found 
also healing and courage. 

With the consent and approval of the Commanding 
Officers, buildings were erected for the use of Chris- 
tian Scientists, or rooms were designated by the Gov- 
ernment for their occupancy, in or near the following 

101 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

camps: McClellan, Alabama; Sheridan, Alabama; 
Pike, Arkansas; Kearny, California; Fremont, Cali- 
fornia; Hancock, Georgia; Wheeler, Georgia; Mer- 
ritt, New Jersey; Mills, New York; Jackson, South 
Carolina; Bowie, Texas; Lewis, Washington. 

In addition, tents were maintained, in some cases 
being provided by the Government, at: San Pedro, 
California; Camp Beauregard, Louisiana; Pelham 
Bay, New York; Commack, Long Island, New York; 
Camp Greene, North Carolina; Paris Island, South 
Carolina; Ellington Field, Texas; Camp Logan, 
Texas. 

At Camp McClellan, Alabama, part of a Govern- 
ment building was made available to our Committee. 
It was fitted up in an attractive manner and made to 
appear homelike. At Camp Sheridan the Committee 
originally used a room which was practically within 
the camp. We later built a small structure just outside 
the camp at a cost of $877. It was a simple frame 
building with a large porch across the front, fitted up 
in the interior as a combined reading and writing 
room. In Camp Pike, Arkansas, the Government 
placed part of a building at the disposal of our 
Worker. 

The building at Camp Kearny, California, was 
designed for our own use and built by us at a cost of 
$2200. It contained a reading room, storeroom and 
rest room for the men and office, bedroom and 
shower for the Camp Worker. There were two cozy 
corners in the reading room with easy-chairs, and 
twelve reading desks with plain oak chairs to accom- 
modate forty soldiers. It was not the original plan to 
paint the building but some of the soldiers volunteered 
to do the work if the material was provided. This was 

102 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

done, the interior presenting a very restful and pleas- 
ing appearance in a shade of gray with window frames 
harmoniously contrasted. Drapery for the windows 
was furnished and two soldiers put it in place. A "Y" 
Secretary who visited the rooms soon after, said, 
"You people have a knack of always expressing 
beauty and art in everything you do, no matter how 
inexpensive it may be." 

At Camp Fremont, California, a beautiful build- 
ing was also constructed by the Committee, costing 
$3045. It was of the bungalow type, in a setting of 
trees, and among other attractive features contained 
a great fireplace. 

A large tent within Camp Hancock, Georgia, was 
the original center of Christian Science activities in 
that cantonment but later a very fine building was 
erected at a cost of $3265. This edifice looked much 
like the other camp buildings without, but its interior 
was most tasteful and comfortable. There was a 
large living room, adaptable either for reading or 
writing or for religious services. This opened into a 
smaller room used as a private office and in addition 
the resident workers had comfortable living quarters. 
Bright colored curtains at the windows, plants and 
flowers here and there, and a pretty vase or candle- 
stick contributed the necessary home touches. 

In Camp Wheeler, Georgia, the Government gave 
us the use of a building known to the boys as "the 
little cottage by the lake." It was surrounded by a 
wide veranda and stood in a wooded patch on the edge 
of a little lake. 

The building erected by the Committee at Camp 
Merritt, New Jersey, was the most commodious and 
expensive of all those owned by us. Merritt was pos- 

103 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

sibly the largest embarkation camp in the United 
States, thousands of troops passing through it daily 
on their way overseas, and as many on their return 
trip. For this reason it was deemed right and neces- 
sary to have a building adequate to meet this need. 
The first building at Camp Merritt was a small port- 
able cottage which stood on "Inspiration Point" just 
outside of Picket No. 4. It commanded a beautiful 
view of the surrounding countryside, standing on the 
main thoroughfare at the top of the hill. Along this 
road and down this hill all the troops passed on their 
way to the trains which carried them to the waiting 
transports. This small cottage was soon seen to be 
entirely inadequate and plans were laid for a fine 
structure which ultimately cost in excess of $10,000. 
A bulletin of the New Jersey State Committee de- 
scribes the building as follows: 

"It is a one-story frame structure, 50 by 30 feet, with 
broad piazzas on two sides. The piazza facing Madison Ave- 
nue is protected from the street by a natural screen of white 
birch trees, while the one on the eastern side commands a 
beautiful view of the Palisades. 

"The original temporary room, which was the first of the 
Christian Science Camp Welfare rooms to be established, has 
been moved back upon the lot and is used as a practitioner's 
office. On a line with the new building, and facing it as it does, 
it reminds one of the proverbial grain of mustard seed look- 
ing out upon its own large branch. Both buildings are painted 
white with green trim, and have attractive window boxes 
filled with flowers. 

"There are two main rooms in the new building, an office 
or reception room and a larger room for reading and writing. 
These are connected by glass doors capable of folding to 
permit the two to be made into one large room, for services 
or lectures, as the occasion may require. The inside walls are 

104 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

of beaver-board, painted a yellow ivory color, with the wood 
of a lighter shade, giving an agreeable effect of warmth and 
light. A large stone fireplace is one of the attractive features 
of the reception room. Four double French doors open on to 
the piazza through which the men can enjoy a view of the 
Palisades, as they sit at service, or in quiet thought, remind- 
ing many of the Psalmist's words, 'I will lift up mine eyes 
unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.' 

"The furnishings consist of individual writing desks 
stained mahogany color, large tables, davenports and chairs 
of wicker. A piano was loaned by two Christian Scientists, 
and it is an inspiring sight to see our men in uniform stand- 
ing around it singing hymns after the evening service. 

"One of the most interesting features connected with the 
building, which occasioned much favorable comment, was the 
installation of twelve drinking fountains of iced water in a 
stone wall along the sidewalk in front of the building. There 
is a large tank inside this wall containing twelve coils of pipe 
fifty feet each in length, through which the water flows, 
emerging upon the surface from faucets known as bubblers, 
upon pressure of the buttons connected with the faucets. 
The water in these coils is chilled by ice with which the tanks 
are kept supplied. In this way, twelve soldiers at a time may 
obtain a cool and refreshing drink. 

"The way in which this method was discovered is very 
interesting. The idea having occurred to one of the Com- 
mittee, in trying to work it out, he found that the necessary 
equipment for the purpose could only be secured from a firm 
dealing in bar fixtures. The proprietor of this firm remarked 
the day after receiving the order : 'I could hardly sleep last 
night for thinking of your idea of using this cooling appara- 
tus for the purpose of water fountains. It has never been 
used before except for beer, and with prohibition coming, I 
have been worried about my business and this has suggested 
to me a new avenue of work.' This incident in connection with 
the fountains has led to their being called the 'replacement 

105 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

draught,' and is the second instance whereby the course of 
our work has led to the replacement of a destructive concept 
by a constructive one, the Welfare Room at Hoboken having 
formerly been a bar room. 

"The following letter from General S., in command of the 
camps in our State, shows how much these fountains are 
appreciated : 

" *My attention has recently been called to an excellent and 
very serviceable drinking fountain established in front of 
your Welfare House. This fountain with its unusual facili- 
ties is a most welcome addition to the camp and I desire to 
thank you for the thought fulness which prompted its instal- 
lation.' " 

At Camp Mills, New York, a building was erected 
by the Committee at a cost of $1850. It was located 
within the camp, being on the main thoroughfare. It 
was 20 by 40 feet with an 8-foot screened and lighted 
porch the full length of the 40-foot side, being divided 
into a large Welfare room, with practitioner's office 
and sleeping accommodations at one end. It was 
painted white with green trimmings, and had awnings 
and screens for comfort during the summer. The fur- 
niture was soft-toned brown reed, upholstered in blue 
and brown chintz, the curtains and hangings being of 
the same material. Through the generous cooperation 
of a member of a local church, trees were planted, a 
lawn prepared and a rustic fence put in place. 

The Committee also erected and owned a building 
in Camp Jackson, South Carolina, costing $2175. 
The following item from a letter of the Worker at 
Camp Jackson is of unusual interest in connection 
with this building: 

"On Monday, April 29, 1918, the foundation was put in 
for our Camp Welfare Building at Camp Jackson. In the 

106 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

evening a few of our boys on short notice, together with 
Camp Worker and Welfare Building Attendant, held a little 
service on a lumber pile, using passages from the Bible and 
Science and Health as found on page 17 of The First Church 
of Christ, Scientist and Miscellany, used at the laying of the 
corner stone of the Extension of The Mother Church." 

This building had a very beautiful setting among 
the pine trees and one of its features was a long 
screened-in porch on which were tables supplied with 
Christian Science literature and writing material. It 
contained a fine large living room with a fireplace at 
one end. 

At Camp Bowie, Texas, the Committee was able to 
purchase, at a cost of $1418, a large structure intended 
for a restaurant. Government regulations did not per- 
mit the owner to maintain it within the camp zone and 
he was very glad to turn it over to our Committee. It 
was a two-story building with a large auditorium, 
writing room and Worker's office on the first floor and 
comfortable living accommodations on the second. 

At Camp Lewis, Washington, there were large 
numbers of Scientists in training. To meet their need 
for a quiet place in which to study the lesson, two 
tents were first set up in a grove of trees a mile from 
the cantonment. Keen with interest in all that con- 
cerned the War Relief activities and grateful for the 
good received therefrom, some forty Christian Science 
soldiers banded together and within ten days built a 
small cottage on property that had been secured for 
the future use of the Welfare Work. This they called 
home and every nook and corner was dear to them. 
Many of those who had hitherto spent their week-ends 
in the city, whiling away the time in worthless amuse- 
ments, now came in to read and study to their profit. 

107 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

As this cottage was very soon outgrown, a larger per- 
manent building was erected on the same piece of 
property at a cost of $6120, the original house serving 
as Worker's quarters. The new building was a beauti- 
ful one, in the bungalow style, having a large fireplace 
at one end of a spacious room used for a reading room 
and for the church services. There was also a fully 
equipped writing room, as well as private rooms for 
quiet talks with boys who came for treatment. The 
entire building was very tastefully furnished, and sup- 
plied the atmosphere of "home, sweet home," as one 
of the boys remarked when he first entered it. This 
building has since been given by the War Relief Com- 
mittee to the Christian Science Churches and Societies 
of the Northwest and is now operated by them. 

Besides the buildings which have just been men- 
tioned, the Committee maintained Welfare rooms in 
towns adjoining camps or training stations and in 
most of the larger cities. Fine, well-furnished rooms 
were in operation in San Francisco, San Diego, Chi- 
cago, Indianapolis, Des Moines, Baltimore, Boston, 
Minneapolis, New York, Columbus, Cleveland, Cin- 
cinnati, Portland, Philadelphia, Galveston and Seat- 
tle, to mention only those in the United States. 

In most cases the smaller rooms opened in towns 
near the camps were far from attractive to the eye, 
at least on the outside, but in every one the interior 
was transformed for our purpose. Light and cleanli- 
ness were prime essentials and to these, through the 
loving thought of the Workers and attendants, 
homey touches were added which went far toward 
making these little rooms the home which the hearts 
of the boys in service were yearning for. Sometimes 
it was bright cretonne curtains; sometimes an easy- 

108 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

chair or a comfortable couch; again it was a water 
cooler, or again a spray of flowers. Each appealed to 
a different need. 

In one of the rooms a soldier sat writing a letter 
home. When he had finished he came over to the 
attendant, saying, "Would you like to see what I have 
written home about these rooms?" He had drawn an 
elaborate plan, showing every piece of furniture, and 
had covered two pages with praise of the attractive- 
ness of the room. Every detail was mentioned, the soft 
shaded lights, the flowers, especially the hyacinth 
plant "which gives the room a delightfully scented 
atmosphere," the "grand comfortable chairs" and the 
"hand-painted Italian lamp shade." The "very cozy 
look" and the air of "quiet seclusion" were commented 
upon and the description concluded, "Both rooms are 
charming — so restful and helpful for reading and for 
writing." 

To these bronzed and hardened soldiers, the beau- 
tiful meant more than one might suspect. On the day 
before Easter an exquisite white lily was placed in one 
of our rooms and shortly after it arrived a soldier 
came in. As soon as he saw the lily, a look of satisfac- 
tion came into his face and he exclaimed : "I just knew 
you would have one. I kept thinking about it this 
morning when I was working and could hardly wait 
to get down. I knew I would not be disappointed." 
A Worker in Washington state writes : 

"Beauty and order in the Welfare room in the Seamen's 
Barracks (Bremerton, Washington) brought fruitage today. 
A fine looking sailor lad came in just as the Worker arrived 
and said he had started to come into the room because it was 
the only place where he saw any flowers and he liked to write 
there on that account, but now wanted to read the literature, 

109 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

and while the Worker was about he remained reading the 
Journal." 

On the reading tables of the buildings and rooms 
were always to be found a complete set of our Lead- 
er's works, together with all the authorized Christian 
Science literature. To many a Science lad the familiar 
covers of these books in themselves suggested home 
and peace. In most of the rooms were hung photo- 
graphs of Mrs. Eddy and of The Mother Church, and 
the "Mother" thought which reached out to meet the 
needs of the men in service has led many a grateful 
one to membership in the church. 

The following is a complete list of the rooms and 
buildings maintained by the War Relief Committee: 

UNITED STATES 



Alabama : 

Camp McClellan 

Camp Sheridan 
Arkansas : 

Camp Pike 

Little Rock 
California : 

San Francisco (Presidio) 

San Diego 

Camp Kearny 

Camp Fremont 
Connecticut : 

New London 
District of Columbia : 

Washington 
Florida : 

Key West 
Georgia : 

Atlanta (Camp Gordon) 



Augusta 

Camp Hancock 

Camp Wheeler 
Illinois : 

North Chicago (Great 
Lakes Naval Training 
Station) 

Rockford (Camp Grant) 

Chicago 
Indiana : 

Indianapolis 
Iowa: 

Des Moines 

Camp Dodge 
Kansas : 

Army City (Camp Fun- 
ston) 

Junction City 
Kentucky : 

Camp Taylor 



110 




War Relief Room, 512 Fifth Avenue, New York City 




A Corner of the Rooms in the Little Building, 
Boston, Massachusetts 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 



Louisiana: 


Oklahoma : 


Alexandria 


Lawton (Camp Doniphan 


Camp Beaurfegard 


and Fort Sill) 


Maryland : 


Oregon : 


Baltimore (Camps Meade 


Portland 


and Holabird) 




Pennsylvania : 


Massachusetts : 


Gettysburg (Camp Colt) 


Ayer (Camp Devens) 


Pittsburgh 


Boston 


Philadelphia 


Minnesota : 


South Carolina: 


Minneapolis 


Spartanburg ( Camp Wads- 


Mississippi : 

Hattiesburg (Camp 


worth) 
Greenville (Camp Sevier) 
Charleston 


Shelby) 


Camp Jackson 


New Hampshire : 
Portsmouth 


Tennessee : 
Chattanooga 


New Jersey: 


( Camp Greenleaf and Fort 


Hoboken 


Oglethorpe) 


Camp Dix 
Camp Merritt 


Texas : 
Galveston 


New Mexico : 


Camp Bowie 


Deming (Camp Cody) 


Virginia : 


New York : 


Newport News 


New York City 


Norfolk 


Camp Mills 


Hampton 


Ohio: 


Petersburg (Camp Lee) 


Columbus 


Washington : 


Cleveland 


Seattle 


Cincinnati 


Bremerton 


Port Clinton 


Port Townsend 


Chillicothe 


Vancouver 


Camp Sherman 


Camp Lewis 



111 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 





CANADA 




Toronto 




Vancouver 


Winnipeg 


FRANCE 




Paris 




Nevers 


Bordeaux 




Le Mans 


St. Nazaire 




Romorantin 


Brest 




Nantes 


Langres 




Tours 


GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND 


Aldershot 




Glasgow 


Bedford 




Inverness 


Belfast 




London 


Bexhill 




Liverpool 


Blandford 




Newcastle 


Brighton 




Plymouth 


Buxton 




Portsmouth 


Chatham 




Reading 


Colchester 




Ripon 


Dover 




Seaford 


Dublin 




Tunbridge Wells 


Edinburgh 







In addition to the rooms, buildings and tents pre- 
viousty mentioned there were many important mili- 
tary and naval points where the Committee main- 
tained a regular Worker who gave his entire time to 
the needs of the men and who supervised Christian 
Science services held at these camps. Besides this, there 
were innumerable other places where volunteer work- 
ers saw to it that the men were not neglected and 
where Christian Science literature was sent in abun- 
dance. 

The following list contains the more important 

112 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

points where regular Workers were established, al- 
though there was no War Relief Room or Building. 



Alabama : 
Mobile 

Colorado : 
Fort Logan 

Florida : 

Camp Joseph E. Johnston 
Pensacola 

Indiana : 

Fort Benjamin Harrison 

Kansas : 

Fort Leavenworth 

Michigan : 
Detroit 
Camp Custer 

Missouri : 

Jefferson Barracks 



New Hampshire : 

Portsmouth Navy Yard 
New York : 

Camp Upton 
North Carolina : 

Asheville 

Rhode Island: 
Newport 

Texas: 

Love Field 
Camp Dick 
Camp McArthur 
Fort Bliss 
Kelly Fields 
Border Camps 

Virginia : 
Quantico 
Camp Humphreys 



These buildings and Welfare rooms were used for 
many different purposes. They served as reading 
rooms, and were always equipped with desks and 
writing materials. They became the rendezvous in 
which the home folks were able to meet their boys in 
the service. Many a jolly group has gathered in one 
of our buildings or rooms for a chat and sometimes 
there have been pop-corn parties or other festivities 
at holiday times. 

Many needs of differing character were cared for 
in these rooms. Within these quiet retreats many a boy 

113 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

caught his first real glimpse of God's goodness, and 
many were restored to health while reading or study- 
ing here. Sometimes on a Worker's couch a physical 
difficulty was mastered and a visit to the camp hospital 
made unnecessary. The rooms often echoed with the 
voices of strong young manhood raised in hymns of 
praise at our Sunday services or in grateful testimony 
at the midweek meetings. What these rooms meant to 
the men can probably best be told in their own words. 
A sergeant Q. M. C. writes : 

"To be able to visit the rooms (at Newport News, Virginia) 
almost daily has been a privilege that I Jiave more than 
enjoyed. Not only have I been able to read and study but 
also enjoy seeing others benefit from the great love that is 
extended to all who visit these rooms." 

From a private at Camp Sheridan, Alabama: 

"This reading room has been my first resort and it comes 
in very handy just at present as I have no light in my tent." 

A private in the American Expeditionary Forces 
says: 

"I take this opportunity of thanking you for your kind- 
ness and also for the Welfare House (Camp Jackson, South 
Carolina) . It certainly was an inspiration to us. The Welfare 
House was truly an oasis in the desert — where one found 
refuge and succor from the many doubts and fears of mortal 
existence. 'Divine Love always has met and always will meet 
every human need' (Science and Health, page 494). Many 
times did I go to the Welfare House depressed and with a 
heavy heart and came away refreshed and in a buoyant 
mood." 

Sometimes the boys' enjoyment of the rooms took 
an amusing turn as shown by the following from our 
Worker at Camp Cody, New Mexico: 

114 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

"Within two hours after I had placed our sign in the 
window four new men came in. They had arrived from 
El Paso that morning in a sandstorm. One of them picked 
up a Monitor and read the entire time he was here, another 
wrote letters, a third chatted with me, and the fourth just 
rocked. He said it was the first chair he had sat in since he 
entered the army and I have never seen anyone enjoy a chair 
so much." 

Very often appreciation for our rooms has been 
expressed by persons who were not Christian Scien- 
tists. A colonel at a port of embarkation writes as 
follows : 

"I desire to express to you my personal appreciation of 
the Christian Science War Relief rooms at this port. 

"While I am not a Christian Scientist yet I am interested 
in the work and I have always found there a cordial welcome 
and an atmosphere of refinement and culture, and when I 
sought information on the teachings of Christian Science, 
it was given so tactfully and with such convincing logic that 
it has caused me to look upon Christian Science in a most 
favorable light. 

"Your rooms here serve a purpose that cannot be fulfilled 
by any other Welfare organization and I congratulate you 
on the good permanent work that is being done." 

A captain at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, says : 

"It has been made plain to me that the scope of your work 
here is not confined to the members of your faith, but instead, 
is extended cordially to all. The restful aspect of the reading 
room especially appeals to me and the undersigned is in 
possession of information to the effect that this place has 
proved a great blessing to many who visit it." 

In connection with the buildings and rooms main- 
tained by this Committee, a word must also be said 

115 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

about the Christian Science Welfare houses or 
hostels, of which there were two, one in Washington, 
D. C, and one in London, England. The latter will 
be described in the chapter devoted to the work in 
England. The one in Washington was located at 1222 
Pennsylvania Avenue. It was started by a group of 
Christian Scientists in Washington who rented an 
old hotel and converted it into a clean, comfortable 
and attractive lodging house where from fifty-five to 
sixty boys could be accommodated at fifty cents each 
a night. The War Relief Committee rented the entire 
ground floor of this building, furnishing several 
spacious reading and writing rooms and offices and 
providing attendants and workers for them. The 
stories of the interesting little depots maintained in 
France and England properly find their place in the 
chapters devoted to those countries, 



116 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 
"OUR ONLY PREACHERS" 

(Christian Science Quarterly) 

On page 91 of "Retrospection and Introspection," 
Mrs. Eddy says : 

"When he was with them, a fishing-boat became a sanctu- 
ary, and the solitude was peopled with holy messages from 
the All-Father. The grove became his class-room, and 
nature's haunts were the Messiah's university." 

The Christian Scientist in civilian life is inexpres- 
sibly grateful for his church services but he may not 
fully realize the extent of the blessings they bring 
him until situated where he is obliged to do without 
them. Such was the case of the Science soldiers during 
the early days of the war before the Welfare work 
was organized. Their invariable statement was, "We 
never guessed what it would mean to be deprived of 
attending our church." Taken by the hundreds from 
their families and places of business, hurried off to 
training camps and there put through a strict regime 
of military discipline, which became more and more 
rigid as the time for going overseas approached, it 
was realized that the spiritual needs of these young 
Christian Scientists must be cared for, since none of 
the religious agencies recognized bj^ the Government 
provided for them. Many of the camps were in sec- 
tions of the country where there were no Christian 
Science churches and no registered practitioners. 
Others were miles from cities or towns where 
churches were available, and the means of transporta- 
tion were limited and expensive for the soldier with 
his usually meager pay. 

117 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

In this deprivation of church services many of the 
Science boys sought the quiet of the woods or camp 
libraries to read the lesson-sermons by themselves, or 
if, perchance, they were fortunate enough to meet 
other Science boys, two or three would gather 
together in His name and hold informal meetings. 
This was possible of course, because, as the notice in 
our Quarterly puts it, "The Bible and the Christian 
Science textbook are our only preachers." With these 
books in their hands, earnest Christian Scientists 
never need miss a church service. A lad from Florida 
writes as follows of one which he conducted : 

"I held a service all by myself ^yesterday out on the banks 
of the St. John River, reading from the Quarterly and sing- 
ing the hymns from the Hymnal. I even took up a collection 
of thankfulness which I am sending to The Mother Church." 

Conditions in the training camps indicated clearly 
what would be faced by the men when in camp or at 
the front in Europe. Therefore the soldier Scientist 
must be shown that he need not lean upon civilians or 
any civilian organization in order to attain the spir- 
itual comfort and sustenance which the Christian 
Science service would mean to him. He must be edu- 
cated to grasp the fact of his sole dependence upon 
God and his independence of material surroundings. 
Therefore, the Camp Welfare Workers were sent 
forth with instructions to train the young Scientists to 
stand on their own feet where services were concerned, 
to prepare them for possibly greater isolation later 
across the Atlantic. 

It was often in some such simple way as the follow- 
ing that services were started: 

"Yesterday when the Worker drove up to the 'Y' eight 

118 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

boys, each from a different part of the country, came up to 
the machine and asked us to read the lesson. We went out 
in the shade in a quiet spot and ten of us had a fine service. 
We shall be organized by next Sunday, I'm sure." 

Shortly after the same Worker wrote : 

"Our services at 9 : 30 a.m. Sunday are splendid and the 
boys are delighted. I hear them talking about 'our services.' 
We have a room in the Y. M. C. A. hut but while the weather 
is so warm, we are meeting out of doors. One boy wrote home 
that we had the finest lighted and best ventilated church in 
the world." 

Before a room was secured for their use about 
seventeen Christian Scientists gathered in the Na- 
tional Cemetery at historic Gettysburg and went over 
the lesson. Later these men of the Tank Corps held 
a regular service in their own room, which a visitor 
described as very impressive and earnest. 

The meetings in camps were held in various places : 
Y. M. C. A. huts, Jewish Welfare buildings, camp 
theaters, gymnasium halls, mess halls, tents and often 
under the most unusual conditions. 

In the larger camps and training stations where 
the men stayed sometimes for several months, a simple 
organization was usually formed. In one camp, when 
the Worker called the men together, they chose, 
without any preparation save silent prayer for guid- 
ance, a board of directors consisting of a major, a 
captain, a lieutenant, a sergeant and a private. This 
board each month chose two readers to serve for 
the ensuing monthly period, the First Reader a com- 
missioned officer and the Second Reader an enlisted 
man. The Worker was then given the names of the 
new readers, the Bible and the textbook were placed 

119 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

in his hands and he was asked to notify the men who 
had been chosen and request them to be prepared to 
read the next Sunday and continue to do so until their 
term of service was up. 

This plan proved admirably efficient in its work- 
ings, until departure for overseas drew near. Then, as 
nobody knew which organization would leave first or 
whether either of the regularly chosen readers would 
be able to be present for the next meeting, every 
Christian Scientist participating in the work in the 
camp came to service prepared to substitute for one 
or the other of the readers. The Worker in this camp, 
because so much of the responsibility for the work 
was assumed by the men themselves (in line with the 
Committee's plan), laughingly referred to himself as 
merely an "errand boy" for the soldier Scientists. 

In other camps the readers were chosen direct by 
the congregation, to serve for varying lengths of time. 

In one case the readers were made a committee to 
obtain a place for holding services, which were an- 
nounced to start the following Sunday. A mess hall 
not then in use was found available. The Second 
Reader, a handy man with tools, constructed two 
readers' desks, and on the Saturday preceding the 
first service, drove the truck which brought firewood 
to the building and swung the axe which cut the wood 
for the fire that made the hall more comfortable. 
Never were hymns sung with more fervor, nor the 
reading of the lesson-sermon listened to with closer 
attention than by these earnest young soldiers. 

The men showed their keen interest and love for 
these simple services, oftentimes making distinct 
sacrifices to be present. Soldier readers have been 
known to forego furloughs in order to be at their post 

120 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

in camp on Sunday. One boy, who was an attendant 
in the hospital, working all night, curtailed his sleep 
in order to attend the morning service. On another 
occasion twenty- four men came in a drenching rain, 
two of them omitting their breakfast in order to arrive 
on time. One boy made a special trip to a Wednesday 
evening meeting to testify to the healing of an ulcer- 
ated tooth. He was on duty until late and ran so 
hard that he could hardly talk when he arrived, but 
he was determined to speak. 

There were times even in camps in this country 
when our boys found themselves without a room in 
which to assemble. In one such instance, a little group 
of men went down to a clump of trees near a railroad 
track, piled railroad ties against two saplings to make 
a desk, the readers hung their hats in the trees, the 
congregation sat on other ties and the service began. 
It was a wonderful day, with the blue sky overhead, 
the sun only an hour high, and the birds, the blossoms 
and the trees adding their paeans of praise to the 
hymns that arose from the little grove. That service, 
in its earnestness and spiritual fervor, made a lasting 
impression on all who participated. 

At the time the epidemic of fear (alias influenza) 
appeared in the camps, in many instances the assem- 
bling of the men in large groups was forbidden, espe- 
cially indoors. The Christian Scientists were obedient 
wherever this ruling was made, but small groups 
would assemble and go over the lesson in the open air 
somewhere about their camp. In one instance a group 
of six assembled at a big woodpile, found seats, chose 
readers and put into the service every bit of mental 
energy they could command. And why not? The sub- 
ject was, "Are Sin, Disease and Death Real?" All 

121 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

about them in the camp were those who feared these 
false beliefs and it was the Christian Scientists' earnest 
desire to heal, not only themselves, but all concerned, 
of this fear. They sang the hymns, listened to a Scrip- 
tural reading, had silent prayer and applied them- 
selves closely to the study of the lesson-sermon. In 
another instance, a coal-pile served as the setting for 
a service. 

Primitive as were the surroundings at these simple 
gatherings, they never failed to draw eager audiences. 
One Worker tells of an overflowing room with 
sailors sitting on tables and radiators earnestly listen- 
ing to the service. That not even quiet could be 
counted upon will be seen from a Worker's account 
of a service in Texas : 

"We had a very splendid service at Travis this morning, 
there being ten soldiers present. The thing that impressed 
me was the earnestness of these boys, as there was nothing 
but the lesson to attract them to this bare corner of the 
Y. M. C. A. One could look out of a window and see a crowd 
of boys on a platform receiving instructions in boxing ; from 
another window one saw a couple of privates beating up a 
week's accumulation of tin cans ; off in the distance a band 
could be heard playing and inside the S Y' proper a piano was 
being beaten, followed by a chorus from a crowd of lusty 
soldiers." 

Sometimes there was the most hearty cooperation 
on the part of welfare workers of other religious 
organizations to provide a comfortable room for our 
meetings. One of our Workers mentions the fact that 
a Y. M. C. A. secretary placed a large vase of flowers 
on the readers' table shortly before the service, re- 
marking that they would brighten the room a bit. 

At a port of embarkation where the services were 

122 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

held in the Jewish Welfare Board's quarters, the field 
representative of the latter organization, when a more 
pretentious home was erected, had special provision 
made for the Christian Science soldiers to hold their 
services there. One end of the auditorium was arranged 
to be partitioned off with folding doors. The first 
Wednesday evening meeting following the raising of 
the camp quarantine, however, was held in the cozy 
reception room of this building, before the fireplace, 
a Jewish secretary at the desk waving all other callers 
to a side door opening into the auditorium, in order 
that the service might not be disturbed. A week or so 
later the other room was used and it was thronged 
with men eager to give and hear testimonials. The 
room was partly filled with wicker furniture, still 
swaddled in wrapping paper, but the men perched 
around wherever they could find resting places. 

A word must also be said of the services conducted 
in stockade or prison camps and in hospitals. Of the 
latter our Worker at Camp Fremont sends an inter- 
esting description : 

"Seven men from Fremont, including the organist and 
soloist, went with us and acted as ushers, giving each man 
who came in a Quarterly and a little Song Book. While we 
had provided what we considered a generous number of 
Quarterlies and Song Books, we, in fact, had only about half 
enough to go around. 

"The Chapel was practically filled, there being only about 
fifteen vacant seats. Several men came in wheel chairs, some 
on crutches, some with their arms held up by braces, and all 
clothed in the hospital garb of pajamas and bathrobes. 
Aside from one nurse, one enlisted man who is a clerk at the 
hospital, the six civilians who made up our party, and the 
seven boys who went from Camp Fremont to usher, every 

123 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

man present was a patient in the hospital, — in all about one 
hundred and ten. 

"Most of them, doubtless, had never attended a Christian 
Science service or even read Christian Science literature, yet 
they were very attentive and entered into the singing with a 
splendid spirit, and throughout the entire service there was 
no disturbance whatsoever." 

At Camp Jackson, as elsewhere, our Worker was 
requested by the officer in charge of the stockade to 
conduct a Christian Science service. This was ar- 
ranged for and the lesson read the first time to about 
twenty prisoners. 

In a German prison camp in Tennessee some forty 
prisoners of war had been conducting a service in 
German until the visit of a Camp Welfare Worker. 
Thereafter it was read in English and in a most credit- 
able manner. 

Nothing has yet been said of the meetings held in 
literally hundreds of places where there was no Camp 
Worker to supervise and where the men themselves 
took the entire responsibility for the conduct of the 
services. In this country they were sometimes brought 
together through the activity of a visiting Worker. 
In the border camps in Texas, for instance, this was 
done in a number of cases. One man who was desig- 
nated as a "soldier worker" wrote the following 
interesting letter: 

"A few days ago I received a copy of Science and Health, 
a Manual of The Mother Church and a Bible, direct from 
the Camp Welfare Committee in Boston. I take this oppor- 
tunity to convey to you the thanks of a number of boys in 
this camp who are interested in Christian Science. With the 
kind help of a Camp Welfare Worker we have been able to 
come together and are now holding Christian Science services 

124 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

every Sunday, for which privilege we are all very grateful. 
The above books have come just in time to meet a need that 
was beginning to make itself felt. 

"We are also very grateful for the plentiful supply of 
Christian Science literature provided for us through the 
work of the Christian Science Camp Welfare Committee for 
Texas. The Monitor is especially appreciated by many of 
the boys who are not interested in Christian Science, as this 
paper always contains only reliable news." 

Another reports on a service as follows : 

"Yes, we held our first service last night (Sunday) and it 
was a good one too for we held it in the stables near J.'s 
shack, just four of us." 

From another point in Texas comes this : 

"Four soldiers in the quarantine barracks of the depot 
brigade read the lesson together. When they found that they 
could not get through the lines to attend the regular services 
at camp they got together and held a service of their own." 

The result of this training in camps in this country 
was made manifest as the time drew nearer for the 
passage of troops overseas. At the ports of embarka- 
tion the Workers met dozens of men who had served 
as readers at the various camps throughout the 
country and each of them felt a sense of responsibility 
in seeing that the work was carried on when the troops 
arrived in Europe. Quarterlies and little hymnals 
were asked for and provided in order that the services 
might be conducted on the transports going over. 

One soldier writes : 

"Upon my arrival in my final training camp I made in- 
quiries as to whether there were any Scientists or no. I was 
told there were none. I made up my mind to take my stand, 

125 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

so at my first opportunity I had published a notice of Chris- 
tian Science meetings in a Y. M. C. A. hut. Can you imagine 
my feelings to have waiting for me Sunday morning at 10 : 15, 
thirty-two men who had come through a drenching rain to 
attend our little service? We have held our service every 
Sunday since then and the average attendance has far ex- 
ceeded that of the first Sunday. I have given copies of the 
Bible, Science and Health and Quarterly to over fifty boys. 
Many new men are becoming interested since the meetings 
started. 

"By the way, a regular religious meeting is held every 
Tuesday evening at which chaplains, Y. M. C. A. Secretaries, 
K. of C, Red Cross, and Christian Scientists plan their 
program for the following Sunday. I am always invited to 
be present and our notice goes out with the rest, officially 
stamped. Christian Science is always spoken of very kindly." 

One boy who had formerly been First Reader at 
Camp Logan writes from France : 

"We have held services right along and the last one was 
in a dugout six feet long and four feet high. We sat there, 
legs all tangled up and I read Science and Health while 
another sergeant read from the Bible. After that I read a 
clipping from the Sentinel about the protection afforded a 
British soldier through the study of Christian Science. Then 
we went to sleep and were awakened by a shell 'strafe' and 
gas attack. We came through in good shape as always." 

Another writes : 

"We haven't missed holding a Sunday service yet and 
things will have to be pretty hot before we fail to do so. We 
held two services on the ship on the way over. The first 
Sunday we were on the very top deck in a lifeboat. We did 
not pick that out as a spot for refuge or protection but 
because it had seats in it. The second Sunday we experienced 
progress as is only natural and to be expected. We were 

126 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

given permission to use the dining room or officers' mess. 
There we found a piano and we had a boy who could play 
our hymns as well as I ever heard them played. I acted as 
First Reader and Sergeant X. as Second and we had a fine 
meeting. The first Sunday out two other sergeants did the 
reading. We had about fifteen present. Wasn't that fine? 

"We are holding services over here near a hospital and 
most of our audiences are made up of wounded men who are 
dressed in bathrobes and hobble in on crutches. They sure 
do love our meetings and it is great for us boys to do our 
part in reading the lesson-sermons and in carrying on the 
meetings." 

From somewhere else in France a soldier writes : 

"Many thanks for the Quarterlies. We were hoping for 
some. We started a little service with six present, held in a 
tent. A fine service it was too. The following Sunday two 
more were added. We have written to Paris for information 
as to the proper way to conduct the services. I am so grateful 
for these meetings and for the friendship of these boys." 

Another writes: 

"We had a very nice little service on the ship coming over. 
Six of us got together in the Y. M. C. A. man's cabin and 
held it there. Had everything but the hymn and the solo and 
were all so grateful for the privilege of holding this service 
in the middle of the sea." 

From the same soldier a little later : 

"We had a very nice meeting today in a little village. Went 
out into the woods and read the lesson and had prayer and 
the closing parts of the service. Had eight or ten present." 

From Santo Domingo a marine writes: 

"I was greatly in need of the books, as we boys have 
started to hold meetings every Sunday morning and the 

127 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

attendance has become so large that it was impossible to get 
along with one book. We are getting along fine now, and in 
all the attendance at each meeting is generally about twenty- 
five. Among the twenty-five there are seven English-speaking 
Spaniards who seem to have taken a deep interest in the 
study." 

From Egypt a British soldier sends the following: 

"Last night I attended a testimony meeting which was 
held in Mr. A.'s rooms in Alexandria, Egypt. There were 
about thirty people present and many beautiful testimonies 
were given." 

A lieutenant in France, stationed well up near the 
front lines, tells this interesting story: 

"When I returned to Gondrecourt the problem solved 
itself. I found three of my sergeant assistant instructors 
were Scientists, also one Y. M. C. A. lady permanently on 
duty and one passing through. We all got together, met no 
opposition at all, published notices of meetings, and held 
nearly every Sunday morning an informal service, at which 
Mrs. R. and I acted as Second and First Readers, following 
the order of our regular service in an informal manner. We 
never had the same personnel there at every meeting but we 
always had about twelve present. The spirit and joy ex- 
pressed by those who had just returned from the lines, all 
dirty with mud, some slightly shocked, according to material 
sense, cannot be described. Many had lost their books in the 
fight and were able to get others, for we always had literature 
from the War Relief Committee to distribute at these 
meetings. 

"In addition we had a few Wednesday evening testimonial 
meetings. These could not be held regularly because of the 
school hours. The testimonies were very vivid and interesting 
and would leave no doubt in one's mind of the practicality of 
Christian Science under the most extreme test." 

128 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

Through the activity of a sergeant, Christian 
Science services were regularly held at Angers, 
France. One of the War Relief Workers who had the 
privilege of attending a Wednesday evening meeting 
there, describes it as follows : 

"It was a memorable service, with workbenches for pews 
and a soap box with a square board laid across the top for 
a desk ; but the atmosphere was indeed worthy of The Mother 
Church. The remembrance of the willing mind, obedience, 
dignity, poise, and gratitude of that service will long be 
treasured by those having the good fortune to be present. 
This is the first testimonial meeting ever attended where 
everyone gave a testimony. There were no pauses and no 
difficulty in occupying the entire hour and certainly every- 
one was refreshed with heavenly manna." 

In one of the most beautiful spots in France on the 
Riviera close to the Italian border, lies the little town 
of Menton, which was opened by the United States 
Government last December as a leave area. The 
Y. M. C. A. leased the beautiful and spacious Munici- 
pal Casino where a force of thirty-five secretaries 
entertained an average of two thousand men weekly. 

Among the secretaries were four girls who were 
Christian Scientists and who met together whenever 
possible, reading the lesson and seeking spiritual guid- 
ance for their problems. Several other secretaries, 
seeing the way seeming difficulties were overcome by 
these girls, and. remarking at the ability of those who 
were Scientists to stand up under work that to them 
was taxing and difficult, asked to know something of 
Christian Science, giving to it the credit and saying 
that they realized that Scientists had something which 
they had not. They began to join in the services and 

129 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

ask for literature, and others remarked at the change 
which took place in them. 

A request to place literature in the library and to 
post a notice regarding Sunday services was at first 
denied, but soon after a change was made in the per- 
sonnel and those placed in charge were favorable to 
Christian Science and granted the request. Services 
were held every Sunday morning, at which some 
soldiers and several "Y" secretaries were always 
present. 

The Christian Science headquarters at Paris sup- 
plied Menton "Y" with plenty of literature, and the 
Monitor particularly always found a warm welcome 
from the boys in the library, as newspapers were very 
scarce. A Scientist, one of the women secretaries, was 
in charge of the information desk for some time, 
where she had an opportunity of distributing litera- 
ture. Later this same secretary was transferred to 
"Mother's Corner" where still better opportunities 
presented themselves. 

This "Y" gained the reputation of having the 
finest spirit in France and the Scientists stationed 
there worked hard to establish and preserve the spirit 
which was characterized by all as one of love and 
harmony. 

A "Y" worker at Chaumont writes: 

"During the third week in November, 1918, permission 
was given to hold Christian Science services in the hut for 
enlisted men at Chaumont, the General Headquarters of the 
American Expeditionary Forces in France. 

"The services were held each Sunday evening in a small 
classroom in the rear of the hut, by a little band of Scientists. 
The interest has been continuous and the attendance regular. 
Each evening, literature furnished by the Christian Science 

130 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

War Relief Committee in Paris was distributed. Also during 
the week this literature was placed on the tables in the library 
of the hut. 

"The work has been a great help to those who have been 
stationed here during the winter, and there have been many 
who have expressed gratitude for the privilege of attending 
services while in Chaumont for only a day." 

Through the activities of a woman "Y" worker, 
Christian Science services have also been held at Nice 
in one of the glass-enclosed jetties which extends out 
over the sea. Literature was supplied through the 
Paris office and distributed to the men passing 
through that rest area. 

Services, of which this Committee has no knowl- 
edge, were doubtless held in many places in France 
by individuals and even by groups of men. When one 
realizes what it means that in ancient France, — whose 
history dates back to the days of the Romans and the 
barbarian invasions, — that on this historic soil the seed 
of Truth was sown broadcast from one end of the 
land to the other, one feels humbly grateful at the 
thought of the glorious harvest which will one day be 
garnered from this fertile field. 

In concluding this chapter we quote in part from a 
letter describing the activity of some Scientists in the 
Army of Occupation in Germany. The letter, written 
to our Paris office from Diekirch, Luxembourg, says : 

"Several days ago we returned to you the books which you 
so kindly provided, as this Division is about to embark for 
home. 

"We wish to thank you very much indeed, for the books 
have afforded opportunities for several to renew their regular 
studies, and while the existence of the room was not exten- 
sively known, yet many found their way there. 

131 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"Through this room we learned of a French family who 
had heard of Christian Science and in sincerity wished to 
know more of it, and it was our privilege to leave with them 
a copy of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by 
Mary Baker Eddy (French and English). They operate a 
really clean book and newspaper store, and we are confident 
that this work will bear none other than good fruit. 

"We are all glad indeed that we took the step we did here, 
for it will unquestionably encourage us to take our stand for 
Truth wherever we may be, that we may become channels for 
the good tidings of great joy." 

Truly we have cause for gratitude that our Leader 
ordained our impersonal pastors, the Bible and 
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures to 
"continue to preach for this Church and the world" 
(Church Manual, page 58). 



132 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

"HE SENT HIS WORD" 

Probably the greatest service rendered by the 
Christian Science War Relief Committee was the 
world-wide distribution of authorized Christian 
Science literature. Of this literature first of course, 
is the textbook, Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. In order that men 
in uniform might have this ever available "Chaplain" 
always with them, the Trustees under Mrs. Eddy's 
Will authorized its publication in vest-pocket size in 
the autumn of 1917. All are now familiar with this 
beautiful little book, but Christian Science students 
who have ready access in their homes to the larger 
editions, can realize but faintly what a joy this com- 
pact little volume was to the man in camp, trench, 
submarine, warship or aeroplane. Says a boy from 
Honolulu : 

"The vest-pocket textbook came at the proper time, yea 
in due season as Love's gifts ever do. The entire Company 
is to start on a hundred-mile hike around the island of Oahu 
and I was just thinking I wouldn't want to be without my 
Science and Health and yet could not put it into the tight 
roll with the other necessities — when, as an answer to this 
prayer of desire, came this handy volume, 'the little book.' " 

The Trustees under Mrs. Eddy's Will contributed 
one-half of the cost of these books and the War Relief 
Fund of The Mother Church the other half, so that 
"without money and without price" our textbook was 
put into the hands of thousands of soldiers. To men 
in camp and training station, this distribution was 
effected through the Camp Worker, who endeavored 
to place the books only where there was a sincere 

133 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

desire for them and an assurance that they would be 
highly prized and carefully studied. There were, 
however, men all over the world, with no Worker to 
whom they could appeal, who themselves wrote 
earnest requests to this Committee for a copy of the 
little book. Among these the following letter from a 
sailor is perhaps of unusual interest. He says : 

"One of my shipmates was sent a vest-pocket edition of 
the textbook. I have been reading it with deep interest and 
wish to own one, hence my letter. 

"I enlisted from Boston but was brought up and went to 
school in Concord, New Hampshire, where Mrs. Eddy once 
lived. As a little boy I used to romp and play close by her 
home, Pleasant View, and I still remember her kind sweet 
face as she would ride by in her carriage. Sometimes she 
would even give us children a ride." 

Extracts from a few of the grateful letters received 
will indicate that the book was indeed sent to the 
globe's remotest bound, always bearing its message of 
healing and comfort. 

A British soldier writes from Damascus, Syria: 

"This is to advise you that the vest-pocket edition of 
Science and Health and the pamphlets reached me safely and 
were very much welcomed and appreciated." 

An English "Tommy" writes from France: 

"I will say that my Science and Health has been with me 
all the time I have been out here and that my reading a little 
each day has helped me more than I could ever put into 
words." 

From Saugor, India, we received the following: 

"Many thanks indeed for the vest-pocket edition of Science 
and Health. Also the copy of Quarterly and Song Book as 

134 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

well, which are much appreciated. They were sent on to me 
here from Bagdad and arrived in perfect condition." 

From London General Hospital, England : 

"The soldier's edition of Science and Health came on the 
21st and found me in the above-mentioned hospital. . . . 
The medical men and nurses regularly remark upon the 
wonderful progress I have made, which I personally at- 
tribute more than anything else to my slight knowledge of 
Science. I am very grateful for the book you sent; it has 
spoiled all the other so-called literature already." 

From Salonica, Greece, a soldier writes : 
"I beg to acknowledge with grateful thanks safe receipt 
of your letter together with vest-pocket edition of Science 
and Health, Quarterly and Song Book, all of which I am 
glad to have." 

A former theological student in 71st Field Artil- 
lery, U. S. A., writes : 

"I also wish to attempt to express my appreciation for 
your kindness in sending the longed-for book, but cannot find 
words to tell you how thankful I feel." 

Writing from Egypt a soldier says: 

"I was most grateful last night to receive two copies of 
the vest-pocket edition of Science and Health and two 
Quarterlies. One I shall forward to my friend who is now 
out of the hospital but has not yet come up the line. I may 
say it is the first gift or parcel I have received at the front 
and one who is a Christian Scientist could not receive a more 
welcome package." 

A private with the American Expeditionary 
Forces in France writes : 

"I received some few weeks past, the welcome textbook, 
which has since been a constant and most helpful companion. 

135 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

I can assure you that through all the hours that might 
otherwise be darkened, with such a pathfinder, one cannot 
lose one's self." 

Our records show that about 40,000 copies of the 
vest-pocket textbook were distributed by the Commit- 
tee, and as soon as this edition of Science and Health 
began to be widely circulated there was an insistent 
demand from the men in the field for a small Bible to 
match. In the summer of 1918, this book was ready 
for distribution. It was deemed wise to ask those wish- 
ing this Bible to pay something towards its cost, and 
it was therefore provided to those in service for $1.50, 
the War Relief Fund adding the remainder of the 
cost. In order, however; that no man should be forced 
to do without a Bible, the War Relief Committee 
provided a somewhat larger black cloth edition with- 
out charge. 

The vest-pocket "kit," as the boys called it, was 
most heartily appreciated. A Canadian soldier writes : 
"The Bible I certainly treasure, and coupled with our 
dear Leader's word it is a wonderful possession." 
Nearly 16,000 copies of the vest-pocket Bible were 
purchased by the War Relief Committee for distri- 
bution. 

Besides the Christian Science textbook and the 
Bible, all of the authorized literature of The Mother 
Church was distributed to those in the service without 
charge. Of the periodicals, that which had the widest 
circulation was, of course, our daily newspaper, The 
Christian Science Monitor. It was very extensively 
distributed throughout the camps of the United 
States and Europe and soon came to be highly 
appreciated by those who were not Christian Scien- 
tists. This was because the Monitor was recognized 

136 






CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

to be a most reliable source of war news and because 
the men in camps found each copy to be a veritable 
mine of information on all the important topics of 
the day. Perhaps the reception which was accorded 
the Monitor in camps can best be estimated by quot- 
ing from an order issued by the Commanding Officer 
of a large Texas camp : 

"The Commanding Officer desires and directs that the 
special attention of soldiers be called to the paper (The 
Christian Science Monitor) as a great deal of good, and a 
great deal of information can be obtained by reading and 
consulting this paper. Its objects are to give as nearly 
correct information as possible upon the events of the 
world, to set forth the best there is in the world, to encourage 
patriotism, loyalty and attention to duty. 

"The action of the Christian Science Association in fur- 
nishing this paper to the officers and men of this command 
is thoroughly appreciated, but the best sign of appreciation 
is that it be read." 

The Monitor was distributed throughout the train- 
ing camps in various ways. Permission was always 
secured from the officer highest in command and when 
this was granted our Worker had the paper delivered 
to the sergeant in charge of each company for the 
use of the men under his jurisdiction. In this way the 
various units in the camp were supplied regularly with 
several Monitors and those who were not Christian 
Scientists had the opportunity of reading the paper, 
if they so desired. Individual subscriptions to men 
who requested them were also supplied through the 
Camp Worker. These usualh went to men who were 
Christian Scientists or who at least evinced enough 
interest to desire their own copy of the paper. When- 
ever acceptable, the Monitor and other Christian 

137 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Science periodicals were placed in the reading and 
recreation rooms of such organizations as the Y. M. 
C. A., Red Cross, Jewish Welfare Board, Salvation 
Army, etc. Possibly some statistics showing approxi- 
mately the amount of Monitor distribution made by 
this Committee, will prove of interest at this point. 
In France and England the Monitor was sent out in 
much the same way as in the United States, through 
Workers and War Relief Depots, although neces- 
sarily many men had to be reached individually. 

The following figures are for September, October 
and November, 1918, the three most active months 
of the Committee's existence : 

September, 1918 

England 159,255 

France 45,689 

United States and Canada .... 936,840 

United States, Canada and Europe, total 1,141,784 

October, 1918 

England 128,316 

France 65,250 

United States and Canada .... 1,088,541 

United States, Canada and Europe, total 1,282,107 

November, 1918 

England 113,876 

France 67,855 

United States and Canada .... 864,008 

United States, Canada and Europe, total 1,045,739 

For those who receive their copies of the Moni- 
tor regularly, it is difficult to realize the joy and 
enthusiasm which a single copy of our newspaper 

138 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

brought to men in remote corners of the world. In a 
letter requesting a subscription to the paper from a 
soldier in Siberia, he says : 

"It may interest you to know that last night I chanced 
across the Monitor of June 25 (his letter was dated Septem- 
ber 29), which I have already read, but which bears re- 
reading. At the moment I am jealously guarding it, as it 
has merely been loaned to me, and will be passed around 
when I have finished. Where it came from I do not know, but 
imagine it was brought on the transport by one of the men." 

From France an American soldier wrote: 

"I am now in territory that was occupied by the Germans 
and, as we fellows say, 'away up in the woods.' We are 
scarcely ever near a town and last Sunday several of us took 
a hike into the woods looking for what we could find and I 
was fortunate enough to pick up a copy of the Monitor. 
I was as glad to get it as a little boy is to get candy." 

One of our Workers in this country was pleased to 
have a burly Canadian veteran come into his office 
with the remark: 

"I saw the sign across the street and thought I would 
come in. I was at Vimy Ridge and I want to tell you that 
yours was the only paper the troops received while there. 
We all used to enjoy reading it, for it is such a fine, clean 
publication." 

To the men with the Army of Occupation in Ger- 
many the Monitor has proved of inestimable value. 
What it meant to one of them is best told in his own 
words : 

"The Monitor is truly doing wonderful things over here 
for me. It is in short my closest companion, keeping me in 
touch and acquainted with the outside world. Some of the 
men are taking courses in the new army schools established 

139 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

by the government. I have chosen to take my college course 
through a careful and thorough study of the Monitor. The 
educational value of the paper is wonderful, covering as it 
does, in an intelligent way, the sum total of human activi- 
ties, as well as containing a summary of the highest type 
of ancient and modern literature. Does not the Monitor whose 
tutor is Principle furnish us the most wonderful college 
course we can take in these times? I surely am grateful for 
the privilege and opportunity of reading it." 

The other periodicals were also widely distributed, 
though not in any such quantity as the Monitor, and 
were sent naturally to those who had expressed a 
desire for the religious teaching of Christian Science. 

From a lieutenant in a southern camp we received 
the following: 

"A copy of the Christian Science Sentinel mailed by some- 
one to the cantonments of the National Army was handed 
to me at my barracks and it has afforded me a large measure 
of interest and pleasure to pore over its pages. 

"I have been for some time casually interested in Christian 
Science and would like to become better acquainted with it. 
Please place me on your mailing list." 

From Vladivostok a prisoner wrote : 

"I have got by accident an old number of The Christian 
Science Journal in which I have read surprising things. 
Desiring to know the Christian Science please send me any 
number of your Journals and pamphlets. ... I am a Hun- 
garian and have learnt English in my imprisonment, and so 
I beg your pardon for the incorrectness of my letter. I know 
German better but I think to write English more proper." 

A subscription to Le Heraut de Christian Science 
was sent in response to the following letter from a 
French soldier: 

140 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

"I pray you to excuse my bad English. I should be glad 
to read your magazine and even books about Christian 
Science — we do not know it well in France — if somebody 
among your readers was kind enough to send me free some 
of them. 

"I am now wounded for the second time and I must stay 
at bed. Your magazine or books would help me to pass the 
long hours I must spend and to wait the day I shall be able 
to return to the front again." 

Besides the periodicals, the War Relief Committee 
distributed thousands of pamphlets on Christian 
Science. These little messengers of Truth could be 
slipped into a letter and they literally became leaves 
of healing to all the nations of the earth. Postal regu- 
lations prohibited the sending of packages to men 
with the American army in France, but these handy 
little booklets could always be included in a letter and 
were invariably much appreciated. 

Selected at random from correspondence sent to 
this Committee, the following list of places outside 
of the United States will give some idea of the wide- 
spread distribution of our Christian Science literature 
to men in the service. Sometimes a textbook, some- 
times a Sentinel, Journal or Monitor, sometimes a 
pamphlet was sent, but it was always the word of 
God of which the Psalmist said, "Their line is gone 
out through all the earth." 



Canada 


Samoa 


Newfoundland 


England 


Alaska 


Scotland 


Hayti 


Ireland 


Cuba 


Belgium 


Canal Zone 


France 


Virgin Islands 


Switzerland 



141 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 



Italy 


Gibraltar 


Prisoners in Germany 


Egypt 


China 


Trinidad 


Japan 


Bermuda 


Philippine Islands 


Jamaica 


Hawaiian Islands 


India 


Australia 


South Africa 


New Zealand 


West Africa 


Bulgaria 


Russia 


Macedonia 


Salonica 


Tunis 


Syria 


Malta 


Palestine 



We are all familiar with the Quarterly in the vest- 
pocket size but probably do not appreciate it as thor- 
oughly as this English soldier who wrote : 

"It gave me great pleasure to receive the little Christian 
Science Quarterly you so kindly sent me, and you may be 
sure that it will be put to good use. It is further evidence 
of the immeasurable good performed in this world by our 
Leader." 

Mention must also be made of the small Song Book 
printed in vest-pocket size for the use of those in 
service. It was a selection of hymns taken from the 
Christian Science Hymnal and arranged for male 
voices, including all of Mrs. Eddy's hymns and a 
number of other well-known ones, especially those 
which are particularly helpful to a Christian warrior. 

In connection with these little books, which met a 
most cordial reception everywhere, one of our Work- 
ers tells this interesting incident : 

"One Sunday evening as I was passing the stockade I 
asked permission of the Prison Officer to offer each of the 
prisoners a copy of our Song Book. He looked it over care- 

142 




Christian Science War Relief Rooms, Chicago, Illinois 




A Tent Room, Camp Logan, Texas 




Inside view Welfare Tent, Camp Logan, Texas 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

fully, gave his consent, and sent a guard with me into the 
stockade. All but four men accepted the book. Then some- 
thing occurred that never happened there before. Someone 
found 'Nearer my God to Thee' and began to sing it. In less 
than a minute there was a great male chorus singing that 
hymn." 

Large numbers of our Song Books were supplied, 
at their request, to Y. M. C. A. workers, Song Di- 
rectors, and other persons interested in encouraging 
the men to sing. 

It would, of course, be quite impossible to recount 
in full the results accomplished by the Christian Sci- 
ence literature sent out by the War Relief Committee, 
or to quote from even a small number of the letters of 
gratitude received from recipients of this literature. 
Let one suffice to show what was done for a soldier 
in California to whom a copy of the vest-pocket text- 
book was given by one of our workers. 

"I wish to thank the Christian Science Camp Welfare 
Committee for placing in my hands 'Science and Health with 
Key to the Scriptures' by Mrs. Eddy. I had suffered with 
kidney trouble for sixteen years and now by studying the 
little book and asking God to help me I have been healed 
in thirty days' time." 



143 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 



WITH THE FORCES AFLOAT 

The naval man's life differs from the soldier's in 
its greater restrictions. It possesses less variety in pas- 
times and associations. Often long periods elapse 
between his "shore liberty" and his touch with home 
ties. Indeed, contact with the normal life and daily 
affairs of the civilian or even of his army brother, is 
denied him. That the Christian Science War Relief 
Committee early recognized the need in the United 
States Navy and developed its naval Welfare work 
accordingly, was but a natural unfoldment. 

The New Jersey Committee, its army Welfare 
work only begun, probably realized this when urgent 
request for the Committee's good offices came to them 
from within the navy itself. An officer in command of 
a ship, fitting out in a commercial yard in Hoboken, 
appealed to the State Committee in the interest of 
his crew. Hoboken had not then become the great 
embarkation point that it very soon did, though there 
was ample evidence of the Government's intention. 
There were no activities, as later, for the benefit of 
enlisted personnel, and there was sore need for some 
provision for those attached to ships. The response 
to this officer's request was prompt, and there was 
quickly opened a well-fitted and comfortable Welfare 
Room. The location of this room was close to the piers 
which were destined to become the great embarkation 
headquarters and docks, and adjacent to the then just 
established shipping rooms of the American Library 
Association. The cordial relations existing from the 
start between those in charge of the American 
Library Association and the Committee, opened the 

144 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

way for our Leader's writings to go overseas in each 
portable library shipped by the Association. This 
room at Hoboken at once met a need and was much 
appreciated by naval officers and men. Here was 
carried on an increasingly effective and important 
work, the room becoming not only a veritable haven 
for hundreds of lonely, homesick men, but a contact 
point and literature distributing center for the im- 
mense overseas forces which soon began to embark 
at this port. 

The New Jersey room was the first organized 
naval work. The idea developed so rapidly, however, 
that early in April, 1918, a naval representative was 
appointed and sent from Boston to secure proper offi- 
cial recognition for Christian Science War Relief 
Workers and to establish naval work through a dis- 
tribution of the Monitor on the vessels of the Fleet. 
The United States Fleet, in war time, is perhaps the 
most difficult of places for a civilian to gain an en- 
trance. Uncle Sam guards all his property with care, 
but special precaution is exercised to protect the forces 
afloat. When the order was issued to mobilize the 
Fleet, all ship-visiting by non-military persons was 
strictly prohibited. Even the bases selected for mobili- 
zation were inaccessible without authority emanat- 
ing from the Commander-in-Chief. Civilians were 
frowned upon and were always objects of suspicion. 
Thus it may be seen that when the War Relief Com- 
mittee decided to extend its already well-established 
Camp Welfare work to the naval arm of the service, 
it did so, knowing that there is no barrier to Truth. 

There was a primary and a secondary base used by 
the Fleet in home waters, the primary one being secret 
and located on the York River, off historical York- 

145 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

town. Its scant local population and remoteness 
from railroad connections made it an ideally isolated 
rendezvous. Here, behind lines of heavy submarine 
nets lay a constantly changing force of from forty to 
fifty major ships of the line with a personnel approxi- 
mating fifty thousand officers and men. 

Getting in touch at once with the Commander-in- 
Chief of the Fleet, the representative of the War 
Relief Committee, especially appointed for this pur- 
pose, was invited to a conference on the flagship, 
where the aims and the method of our work were laid 
before those in authority. So satisfactory were the 
plans outlined that this Worker was granted general 
and unrestricted permission to board any ship or unit 
under the supervision of the Commander-in-Chief of 
the Fleet, and was also given passes good in specified 
localities for assistants. 

Within a week the first assistant was detailed to 
care for the ships at Yorktown and had his pass ready 
to begin operations. Though the Worker's pass per- 
mitted him the use of the Fleet's tenders or launches, 
it was felt by the Admiral's Chief of Staff that he 
would be more valuable and have a broader oppor- 
tunity if provided with a boat of his own. The advisa- 
bility of this was soon realized by both the Commit- 
tee's special representative and the Worker, and 
efforts were bent towards finding a suitable launch. 
The boat known as "Welfare First" more than ful- 
filled expectations and the Scientist sent from Boston 
to Operate it soon developed into a much-needed 
second Worker. 

Welfare I was 35 feet in length, had a beam of 8 
feet, and a draft of 2% feet. Her engine was a 2-cycle, 
2-cylinder Mianus, 1.5 horsepower, fully equipped with 

146 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

storage battery, generator, interior electric lights, and 
had a 14-foot cabin with a full equipment of life pre- 
servers, a painter, anchor, flag, boat-hook, etc. 

Welfare I and Welfare II, subsequently pur- 
chased, were used for exactly the same purpose as 
automobiles in the camps. Of Welfare I the Worker 
writes : 

"Daily she carried me out to the ships and around them. I 
always had some of the Comforts articles aboard and gave 
away from her decks altogether over 1100 articles, including 
135 bedquilts, 420 pairs of socks and 350 sweaters. During 
the last month I operated her, she visited 226 ships, and I 
gave away personally on those ships nearly 10,000 copies of 
the Monitor, not including subscriptions. 

"Welfare I visited the Hospital ship Solace every day 
and I had permission to go through all the wards and did so, 
giving away many Monitors. I always visited the neighbor- 
ing lighthouses supplying them with literature. Three times 
a week we ran to the submarine nets at the mouth of the York 
River and furnished the fleet of chasers with literature. 

"You can imagine it was strenuous work to take 100 to 
150 Monitors under your arm, and, standing on the front 
deck, with spray and water breaking around your knees, run 
up to a gangway in a heavy sea, and just step aboard at the 
right instant, but I did it without mishap hundreds of times." 

The secondary base was maintained at Hampton 
Roads, where, in addition to auxiliary vessels, con- 
voys and transports, foreign ships and many mer- 
chantmen anchored, and major ships from Yorktown 
came more or less regularly for brief stays. A sub- 
marine base up the Chesapeake and an outlying army 
post on Fisherman's Island, near Cape Charles, 
needed care from this base. The second Worker was 
now appointed, and another and larger boat known as 
"Welfare Second" was provided for service. 

147 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Welfare II was 46 feet long, with a beam of 14s 
feet and a draft of 5 feet. Her engine was a 3-cylinder, 
2-cycle Kahlenberg, of 27 horsepower. She had four 
rooms, with a galley forward under deck, containing 
oil stoves, water tanks and a full set of cooking uten- 
sils. There were also berths for two men in the galley. 
Next came the pilot house, then the engine room. The 
cabin was well furnished with rugs, easy-chairs, a desk 
and berths. Welfare II was used for the naval work 
in and about Hampton. 

Not long after Welfare I was purchased, the 
Worker wrote : 

"You will be interested to know that the launch is becom- 
ing increasingly useful. Last night she carried an officer 
across the river after the ferry had stopped running for the 
night. Today, while I was aboard one of the battleships I 
noticed that the recreation party that was bound for the 
shore could not all get into the ship's launches. There were 
about forty very disappointed boys. One of them was a Scien- 
tist to whom I had been talking. I asked him what was the 
trouble and he said that they were only allowed three hours 
on shore and that he and the rest of the forty would lose most 
of that time because they would have to wait until the 
launches made a return trip, about three miles each way. I 
went to the officer of the deck and offered the use of our 
launch. He took the matter up with the Captain who accepted 
with thanks, and in a few minutes the whole forty were on 
board arriving very shortly after the first party. Going over 
I gave each boy a copy of the Monitor to read. I might add 
that in the party was the ship's baseball team and they com- 
mented highly on the Sporting page of the Monitor. 'Henry' 
in the camp sometimes used to carry eight or nine boys but 
his sister 'Henrietta' has him beaten. She is 'some jitney' 
according to the boys." 

148 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

Authority was also obtained from the British 
Admiralty office for the boarding of British vessels, 
which included a pass for the Worker. 

The headquarters for the naval work at Yorktown 
and Hampton Roads was established at Hampton, 
Virginia, which served not only as an office, but as a 
Welfare Room for men from convoys and other ships, 
and for the soldiers from Langley Field and Fortress 
Monroe. 

Transports leaving Hampton Roads docked for 
embarkation of troops at Newport News, Virginia, 
and the naval work was soon extended to these vessels. 
Like the Fleet, access to transports and transport 
docks appeared almost an impossibility, so strictly 
enforced were the regulations regarding civilians. The 
transport service, too, was under joint army and 
naval officials. The initial authority only permitted 
the placing of Monitors on board, to be distributed by 
a member of the ship's crew, and access to either docks 
or ships by our Worker was not looked upon with 
favor. So quickly was the value of the literature ap- 
preciated, that the Committee was soon granted an 
unrestricted pass to the docks and transports. This 
not only permitted the Worker to go on board daily 
with the Monitors, but gave him the unusual privilege 
of distributing papers and other literature, after the 
troops were embarked. This was the first transport 
work. 

The largest embarkation point, however, was 
Hoboken, New Jersey. Here a very efficient work 
was accomplished. A daily distribution of the Monitor 
to the transports while in port was maintained, and 
so well did the New Jersey Committee demonstrate 
their way, and so grew the demand for the Monitor 

149 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

and other literature, that one Worker soon proved 
insufficient, and several were finally necessary to care 
for the transports alone. This distribution and relief 
work were extended to vessels leaving New York, and 
an extensive activity had been established when the 
armistice was signed. 

It is scarcely necessary to give in detail the excel- 
lent work accomplished at the various shore stations. 
There were few places, ashore or afloat, where the 
cooperation of the naval authorities was not of the 
most generous and friendly order. Especially was this 
true at Newport, Rhode Island, Norfolk, Virginia, 
and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In citing these 
specifically, no injustice is intended to officials at other 
points where a keen appreciation of the Welfare work 
was also shown. The value of the work at Newport, 
Rhode Island, was evidenced by the appreciation of 
it expressed by the naval officials at the Training Sta- 
tion. One has only to talk with any man confined in 
the hospital during the epidemic to understand the 
value of the tireless work, with "signs following" 
accomplished there. The entree to the hospital, in 
itself, was something for which to be grateful. 

In Norfolk, Virginia, a very active distribution 
committee had laid a fine foundation for an effective 
work at the several naval establishments. This pioneer 
effort enabled the War Relief Committee quickly to 
build an extensive Welfare work. The naval operat- 
ing base, comprising a training station second only 
to the Great Lakes Training Station near Chicago, 
a flying school and hospital, was in itself a large field 
for work. Added to this was the navy yard across the 
river, and other smaller scattered bases or units. One 
Worker began caring for all, but so rapidly did the 

150 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

activity unfold that the naval operating base alone 
required the entire time of a Worker. The apprecia- 
tion of the Monitor and other periodicals was ex- 
pressed in a constantly increasing demand for sub- 
scriptions and an early request for services. Much 
interest was shown in Christian Science in the hospi- 
tals at the operating base, and many textbooks were 
requested. As at other points, healings resulted and 
gratitude and recognition followed. 

The Great Lakes Naval Training Station was one 
of the three largest in the country and the need for an 
experienced Worker at this point was soon supplied. 
As the work of the Camp Welfare Committee pro- 
gressed, services were established which were well 
attended by the men interested in Christian Science, 
readers being selected from among their number. The 
good accomplished through these services proved itself 
during the epidemic of fear, called influenza, which 
later invaded the station. The services proved effica- 
cious to the men, not only in keeping their own 
thought clear, but in helping others to overcome their 
fear. Many men were healed without having to be re- 
moved to the hospital and others were able through 
their understanding of Truth, to work among those 
afflicted without manifesting any symptoms of dis- 
ease, thus proving Christian Science to be preventive 
as well as therapeutic. 

At Boston a large naval field, both shore units 
and ships, was well cared for; and New York also 
reached the shore stations and ships in that vicinity. 
Maine was not neglectful of the navy men touching 
at her ports, and the Philadelphia Navy Yard was one 
of our busiest distribution centers. Charleston, South 
Carolina, saw that literature was not lacking on ves- 

151 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

sels leaving there and the men at her navy yard 
found a helpful friend in the Worker. At Mobile, 
Alabama, many British warships were supplied with 
our literature, as well as were our own boats landing 
at that port. San Francisco discovered that the navy 
was not easy of access, but once admitted, received 
assistance and found quick appreciation of its work. 
The Washington State Committee maintained a 
Worker, whose entire time was devoted to the navy 
yard at Bremerton, near Seattle. The work here was 
productive of the most gratifying results and secured 
the entire appreciation and cooperation of the officers. 
The work at the Portsmouth Navy Yard was the 
last to unfold and little is known of it. Therefore it 
will be spoken of in some detail. The variety and 
diversity of the units at this point rendered the work 
somewhat different from that of the other shore sta- 
tions. The navy yard proper comprised the usual 
number of ships, coming and going, a large hospital, 
a marine camp, and the large naval prison. The lat- 
ter had a population of twenty-four hundred men 
during the war. A naval Worker arrived in Ports- 
mouth, at the time the so-called influenza was at its 
height. Upon reporting to the Commandant, it was 
learned that the hospital was congested, and there was 
a shortage of nurses, due to sickness and recent de- 
tachments, creating a serious situation. The services 
of the Worker were volunteered and accepted, and in 
the hospital spiritual work was combined with the 
material care of sick nurses and men in the influenza 
wards. Wards of terror-stricken men, witnessing the 
death of comrades, were calmed and encouraged, and 
many patients thought to be very ill were found up 
and dressed the following day. Sick nurses stopped 

152 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

taking medicine and in some cases requested the text- 
book. The death rate at once diminished and in 
twenty-four hours reached the zero mark. 

Visits to the prison wards in the hospital led later on 
to "follow-up" work in the prison itself. The response 
to the truth was so great and the need so evident, that 
the effort to divide the time equally between the dif- 
ferent units was finally abandoned, the prison becom- 
ing the scene of the Worker's greatest activity and the 
hospital being given such time as remained. Unlike 
most penal institutions, men in the naval prison num- 
ber few criminals, most of the offenses being of a 
military character and not punishable by a civil court. 
Scarcely more than boys, many are mere youths who 
entered the service in a burst of patriotism, with an 
undeveloped sense of responsibility and unfortunately 
no great appreciation of the importance of obedience. 
Here is more ignorance than viciousness; more 
thoughtlessness than deliberate disobedience. The 
effect of a prison sentence upon this type of undis- 
ciplined, independent American young manhood, 
without a knowledge of real obedience and right gov- 
ernment, and a true understanding of freedom, was 
distressing in the extreme, to put the case mildly. 
Here, therefore, was an opportunity to demonstrate 
practically that the truth does make free, opening 
prison doors. Soon some of these young men by read- 
ing the textbook for which they had themselves asked, 
found their real freedom, even before gaining release 
from confinement. The bettering of positions in the 
prison was the rule with the men who became earnestly 
interested in Science. Services soon followed the regu- 
lar Monitor distribution. When the work was first 
started the Commanding Officer expressed to the 

153 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Worker the desire that services be reestablished. They 
had twice before been held at the prison but had been 
allowed to lapse. It was considered, however, wiser 
that the demonstration of services be made within the 
prison. This was done. Within three weeks a list of 
thirty names of men who desired to attend Christian 
Science services was given to the Worker. A large 
percentage of the men who expressed this desire, and 
who further became interested, have since been dis- 
charged from the prison. The attendance at each serv- 
ice was always excellent and steadily increased, fol- 
lowed by numerous requests for the textbook, for 
literature and for talks with the Worker. Services 
were held in the prison Y. M. C. A. building. From 
the first, the work of the Christian Science War Re- 
lief Committee was generously recognized at this 
station, and cordial cooperation was extended by the 
naval authorities in every unit. Perhaps no finer 
recognition of Christian Science could have been ac- 
corded than that made by the prisoners themselves, 
and upon their own initiative, when the Worker was 
made an Honorary Member of the Mutual Welfare 
League and presented with the insignia. The League 
is a branch of the association for self-government 
formed by Thomas Mott Osborne in Auburn and 
Sing Sing prisons. The Christian Science work was 
considered of such value by the Commanding Officer 
of the prison that it was his desire, upon the resigna- 
tion of the pioneer Worker, that a resident Worker 
be established at the prison, to live and be associated 
at all times with the prisoners. The Committee ap- 
pointed a man for this position. 

"Monday night I came into the prison as a prisoner 
and received my clothes (gray stripes)," he writes. "I 

154 



CAMP WELFARE COMMITTEE 

have been assigned to a cell with a man who deserted 
from his ship." Through the interest and cooperation 
of the Commanding Officer our Worker was soon 
given an office where he could interview the men and 
keep his supplies of literature and knitted goods. 

To tell in any detail the assistance rendered to the 
men in the prison would make a long story. Cases of 
rheumatism, stricture, influenza, mental unbalance, 
cocaine habit, and venereal diseases are among the 
dark images of disease which have vanished before 
the sunlight of Truth. Depression, discouragement 
and despair have been lifted for many a man and he 
has been encouraged to go out, when discharged, to 
make a fresh start. Our Worker found several boys 
who felt their position to be such a disgrace that they 
had ceased to write to their families. Through his 
efforts letters were sent home. In one case a boy 
found in the "sick-bay" asked for Christian Science 
treatment. He then told our Worker of a sister who 
was a Scientist to whom he had not written for a long 
time. The good news sent her about her brother 
brought an immediate response and shortly after the 
boy himself wrote his sister a most loving letter. In 
another case a mother who had been sending her let- 
ters to an incorrect address, and consequently receiv- 
ing no reply, was put in touch with her son. Our 
Worker endeavored to secure employment for those 
receiving their discharges and in one case was instru- 
mental in sending a boy suffering from mental trouble 
back to his family for care and protection. The father 
wrote : 

"I am certainly grateful to know that you found my boy 
and gave him a helping hand. I understand you found him 

155 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

reading Science and Health. Good, that is the only religion 
he knows anything of." 

Allotments to the home folks were straightened 
out. In one case arrears amounting to $500 were 
located. A lost Liberty Bond was restored. A boy who 
had lost all trace of his family, not even knowing his 
mother's present name, was put in touch with them, 
and a home is waiting for him when he cares to go to 
it. Our literature has, of course, been widely dis- 
tributed and much appreciated. 

Possibly the best evidence of the gratitude felt for 
our work is the following, cut from the Mutual Wel- 
fare News, the prison paper: 

"The Mutual Welfare League takes this opportunity to 
express its thanks to the Christian Science War Relief Com- 
mittee in general and its representative at this place in par- 
ticular, for the great kindness and Christian charity that was 
demonstrated in giving to thirty of our discharged men over- 
coats to keep them comfortable. In addition to the above Mr. 
F. has neglected no chance to be of comfort or service to such 
of us as have been bereaved by loss of parents or friends, 
whenever the fact has come to his attention. He has exerted 
himself to the utmost to learn our prison routine that he 
might advise newcomers and prove the most good that was 
possible to all hands. Not content with donning grays, he 
has even spent a period in Third Class, that he might know 
exactly the conditions that exist there and elsewhere through 
the prison. For all this we thank him and we want him to 
know that his efforts are deserving of far greater thanks than 
our poor language can convey." 



156 



V 
WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

In the spring and early summer of 1918, war-weary 
France had almost reached the limit of its endurance. 
Its army, with those of its allies, had for weeks been 
forced backward and ever backward. By late May 
only the most stout-hearted of those still remaining in 
the capital felt confident that Paris would escape Ger- 
man occupation, and many feared a far worse fate. 
Bombarded by day and bombed by night, the Parisian 
certainly did not lack variety, at least in the round of 
daily experience. 

Into this tense situation at about ten o'clock one 
evening during the latter part of May there came a 
party of ten American Christian Scientists. This 
group had landed at Bordeaux two days previous 
from the steamer La Lorraine, and constituted a 
group of authorized workers sent to France to aid in 
relief work among the French war sufferers and to 
extend to Christian Scientists in the army and navy 
such assistance as was considered proper under the 
military regulations. 

This party was chosen in April and, excepting two 
persons who were unable to reach Boston, assembled 
in that city early in May, where the members were 
instructed regarding their work as far as this was 
possible. They also had the advantage of conferences 
with the Christian Science Board of Directors and 
with the representative who had been sent overseas by 

157 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

the Board earlier in the year to make a preliminary 
investigation of conditions in France and to report 
back with recommendations. His experience and coun- 
sel now proved of great value. 

On May 11, the State Department approved and 
issued the necessary passports. In conversations with 
the Department at this time, the Committee was 
assured that any War Relief work it might engage 
in would be acceptable. At the same time it was 
pointed out that all Welfare work in the army camps 
had already been delegated to certain authorized 
agencies, and work abroad similar to that then being 
done by us in the American camps, was inadvisable. 
Applications for passports having originally con- 
tained the statement that our work abroad was to be 
that of Camp Welfare, it became necessary to modify 
our plans, and the party finally sailed on May 14 from 
the port of New York, recognized and authorized by 
the State Department as Christian Science War Re- 
lief Workers. Neither the members of this party nor 
of those constituting the third one to cross, reckoning 
the Board's earlier representatives as the first party, 
were thereafter, at any time, able to carry on a work in 
any large degree comparable to that done in the camps 
and cantonments of the United States, as related else- 
where. With the full approval, however, of the State 
Department and the military authorities in France, 
these workers established and maintained in ten im- 
portant centers in France, accessible at all times to 
many men in the service, depots or Christian Science 
headquarters. From these depots there went out in 
ever increasing measure messages of health and cour- 
age, inspiring books and helpful literature. To them 

158 




Welfare First 




Welfare Second 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

also came in a correspondingly increasing ratio, calls 
for assistance of various kinds from the many hun- 
dreds of Christian Scientists in the service. By adopt- 
ing this plan of organization and method of work the 
Committee was able, with the numerically small group 
of helpers at its command, to render a remarkably effi- 
cient service and at the same time comply with the re- 
quirements of the French and American military 
authorities. 

Both the authorities referred to at all times dis- 
played the most generous and cordial spirit of co- 
operation. For example, instead of sharing with 
many other war workers the not uncommon expe- 
rience of being delayed in Paris for weeks, while 
necessary travel and residence permits were slowly 
going through the mills of official red tape, the party 
was at work within ten days. This group was thus 
quickly established and at widely separated points, 
while the experience of the September party was 
equally satisfactory. 

The succeeding pages of this chapter deal in detail 
with the establishment of the work and its conduct at 
the ten depots already mentioned. Beginning with the 
work at Langres, the capital of the Department of 
the Haute-Marne, where several important American 
military colleges were maintained throughout the war, 
the story will close with a record of the work done at 
Romorantin, the great aircraft production center, 
which was the last depot to be opened and the first to 
close. The work at Langres was undertaken as early 
as March, 1918, by one of the two representatives first 
sent to France by the Board of Directors. Next, the 
rooms in Paris were selected and the work of getting 

159 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

them in shape began. These rooms, located at 3 Ave- 
nue de VOpera, at the head of probably the best 
known, and certainly one of the most important streets 
in Paris, were intended to be the headquarters of the 
Committee in France. They were commodious and 
well-appointed and served not only as official head- 
quarters but also as an active book and literature dis- 
tribution center and as a home for the many Science 
boys who visited Paris or were located there. Within 
a stone's throw of the Louvre and the Palais Royal, 
these rooms were situated near some of the most his- 
toric spots in France. Other depots were soon in 
operation in the order named, at Tours, Bordeaux, 
Brest, and St. Nazaire, and these were followed in 
September by others, at Nantes, Nevers, Le Mans 
and Romorantin, 

LANGRES 

Langres, an old Roman town with a history ante- 
dating the Christian era and a population of ap- 
proximately 10,000 people, lies about 250 kilometers 
southeast of Paris. It is situated on the crest of a mag- 
nificent hill which dominates the countryside for many 
miles. In the distance can be seen the Swiss Alps, with 
Mont Blanc sometimes visible, and from the other 
side one sees the 'valley of the Marne, and the silver 
thread of the' river whose name is linked with so much 
glorious bravery and stupendously heroic effort. 

On the direct line of communication with the front, 
and about halfway between Chaumont, General 
Pershing's headquarters, and Dijon, this city was one 
of the most important centers of American military 
activity in all France. Langres has been called "The 

160 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

West Point of France." Twenty-nine military schools 
were located there, among which were the following: 
Army General Staff College, Army School of the 
Line, Army School of Intelligence, Army Gas School, 
Army Candidate|School, Army Machine Gun School, 
Anti- Aircraft School, Army Tank Center. 

Langres being in direct communication with the 
front, day and night there was a constant stream 
of convoys from Dijon, where the great bakery 
was located, which sent 20,000 loaves of bread a day 
to the soldiers in the trenches, and from Bordeaux 
and other seaports where troops and supplies from 
the United States were unloaded and sent on. In 
Langres also was located the Motor Transport Corps, 
a small city in itself, with thousands of trucks, camions 
and automobiles constantly coming and going to and 
from the front lines. Troop trains filled with both 
American and French soldiers were hourly arriving 
and departing, besides which large numbers of men 
daily marched through the streets. Here were also the 
Headquarters of the Advance Section under a Briga- 
dier-General with his staff and a large corps of 
officers. 

Six hospitals were located at Langres, among which 
were: Base Hospital No. 53, with 200 nurses and 40 
physicians and surgeons, and accommodations for 
2000 patients ; Base Hospitals No. 22, No. 23, No. 24; 
Camp Hospital No. 7, at Humes, a near-by small 
town ; and Camp Hospital No. 10, at Prauthoy. These 
camp hospitals were not as large as the base hospitals, 
but they had a great many nurses and doctors and were 
always full of patients. At one time the hospital at 
Humes was filled with men who had been gassed. 

161 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

With the permission of the Brigadier- General in 
command, our first woman worker in France went to 
Langres in March, 1918, although all civilians were 
strictly barred from this sector, which was in the 
advance zone. The rest of the story of the activity at 
Langres is quoted from one of her reports: 

"We held services in the Officers' Club during the months 
of April and May. In the meantime I had been looking for a 
permanent place for our room, but as Langres is such a 
small city and was so crowded with American officers and 
soldiers, it seemed to be a difficult thing to find any suitable 
place. Finally a vacant building was found which the 'Y' 
had formerly used, but which had stood idle for some months. 
I secured the large front room on the upper floor. This build- 
ing is situated on rue Diderot, the main street of Langres, 
just across from the Grand Hotel de l'Europe. The room had 
four large windows on the front which made it bright and 
cheery and was furnished in light colors, blue and yellow. 
We had large wicker chairs, two handsome carved tables for 
the literature, a good piano, a large davenport, other smaller 
chairs, and white writing tables. The woodwork was white; 
we kept the floors polished, and through the summer the room 
was filled with flowers. Many tired soldier boys, just back 
from battle, would come in, sink down with a sigh, look 
around and say: 'Oh, it is so clean, so like home. It's the 
prettiest place in France.' " 

"The Monitor was placed in the wards of the big hospital, 
the Commanding Officer saying that he was delighted to have 
it, and the head nurse, who has a copy of Science and Health 
and attends our services, took charge of its distribution. 
Bundles of Monitors were tied up and placed on the piano in 
our room, so that a man coming in could help himself. And 
the small copies of Science and Health — how the boys did love 
them and how eager they were to get them — also the Bibles. 

"We held our Sunday service at 2.30 in the afternoon, as 

162 




Christian Science War Relief Room near Camp Grant, Illinois 




Near Great Lakes, Illinois 




A homey room at Newport News, Virginia 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

many of the men were busy in the morning, and others were 
out quite a distance and could not get in before that time. 
The attendance varied, as the troops were constantly chang- 
ing, but it averaged from thirty to forty-five. The room was 
generally full of earnest, thoughtful men, eager to hear the 
Word of God. The congregation was made up from all ranks 
of the army, Generals, Colonels and all classes of other offi- 
cers and numbers of enlisted men. These mingled and talked 
together in a way that is only possible through Christian 
Science. We were most fortunate about our music. During 
the whole time we had a solo singer — once or twice boys with 
really remarkable voices, and the solo added much to the 
service and was enjoyed and appreciated by all. 

"We held our testimonial meeting after the service. This 
was found advisable, as otherwise many men, who could not 
come in at any other time, would have been deprived of this 
meeting. Some very thrilling and interesting testimonies were 
given, which were certainly proofs of God's protecting care. 

"There were many calls for help for all sorts of dis- 
eases — Spanish influenza, dysentery, drunkenness, sensual- 
ity, smoking, rheumatism, men who had been gassed, those 
who had been wounded and were in the hospital, etc. In many 
cases the men were directed to the use of the Concordances. 
One case of influenza was healed in this way and the young 
man told me afterwards that he had had a fear of tubercu- 
losis for many years, which had left him at this time. 

"In September, 1918, the War Relief Committee sent 
2500 francs to be presented to the Mayor for'the relief of the 
refugees or other victims of the war who were in Langres. 
The Mayor received us with a great deal of ceremony in his 
office, the General's aide going as interpreter. The letter was 
read with great care and attention and other officials were 
called in to hear it. The Mayor was most profuse in his thanks 
and said if at any time he could help in the work he would be 
very glad to do so. During the interview he was asked to 
correct, if possible, an impression that had gone out in the 

163 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

city that the Christian Science War Relief Committee was in 
Langres for the purpose of conducting a proselyting cam- 
paign. This he promptly agreed to do. 

"A few days later the Town Crier, who is a very imposing 
figure, wearing a great deal of gold braid, and who is pre- 
ceded by a man with a trumpet which he blows loudly to call 
crowds of people together, went through the streets announc- 
ing that the Christian Science War Relief Committee had 
beneficently given the sum of 2500 francs to the war victims 
of Langres. The weekly edition of the paper of the city con- 
tained the same announcement and also a statement from the 
Mayor giving the object of our work and saying that we had 
no intention of interfering with the religious customs or 
beliefs of the people of Langres. 

"About three miles from our Reading Room, down at the 
foot of the hill, are the Casual Barracks. The men who came 
in there were often just out of the hospitals, or were changing 
trains, and had no time or strength to climb the long hill to 
the Reading Room. They were fed and there were bunks in 
which they could sleep, but it was a dismal, cold, muddy 
place, in spite of the efforts of the fine young officer who was 
in charge. He often came into the Reading Room uptown and 
so admired its color and warmth and cheer that he said one 
day, 'Oh, if I could have something like this down at the 
barracks for the men who pass through there.' 

"About that time some new barracks were being built at 
the Casual Camp, and with the consent of the Commanding 
General we took one of the larger rooms, one sixty feet long, 
and began our work. The men stained the rafters and ceiling 
and covered the walls with raphia. This is a pongee-colored 
material which the men at the Camouflage station gave us. 
They built a big twelve- foot fireplace in the.center of the side 
wall. One of the boys made a couch sixteen feet long, which we 
upholstered and covered with tapestry. We also had six 
smaller couches around the wall, at intervals, so that the boys 
could lie down if they were tired. On these we put mattresses 

164 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

and the fine blankets they have in the army. We also built 
four writing desks. There were twelve small windows in the 
room at which were hung rose-colored sateen curtains, and 
the effect against the clean raphia was very attractive. I also 
made two rose-colored cushions for each couch and for the 
davenport and bought a rose-colored upholstered chair. This 
all added color to the room and made it bright and cheerful. 
Moreover, I found an American rocking chair which was a 
real delight to the boys, as rocking chairs are unknown in 
France. I took down a long hardwood table, which I was able 
to rent, and a good piano, like the one we had in the Reading 
Room. Some bright posters were hung on the wall and over 
the fireplace the head of Lincoln with some of his immortal 
words. We used to put big logs on the hearth, on which the 
boys would pour crude oil. This made a great blazing fire 
and to the poor, tired, mud-bedraggled boys coming in out 
of the wet and cold and mud, there was a glow of cheer and 
warmth and comfort about it which was very appealing. One 
boy said to me, 'When I opened this door and looked in, 
coming as I did from the mud and rain, I thought I had 
caught a glimpse of heaven.' 

"On the long tables were copies of the Monitor, Journal 
and Sentinel, and also some other current magazines. On a 
side table I had Mrs. Eddy's writings and the Bible, and 
the writing tables were furnished with our letter paper. The 
boys were always most grateful for the stationery and a 
quiet place in which to write. On the table was a low reading 
lamp, and there were colored shades on the electric lights. 

"As there were from 500 to 3000 men passing through 
these barracks each day, I found many who were interested 
in Science and who were delighted to get the literature. A 
letter from the lieutenant in charge follows, showing his 
appreciation of the room. 

" 'As my service as Commanding Officer of the Casual 
Camp here seems to be near an end, I am going to write you 
this letter of appreciation now, lest I forget to tell you what 

165 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

a great favor you have done the boys who have had to stop 
at this camp. 

" 'Usually Casuals are in anything but a pleasant frame 
of mind and the very word "Casual Camp" is a bugbear to 
them. But thanks to your efforts in getting the many things 
for furnishing the Rest Room here, many thousands of boys 
have had a pleasant place to write letters, papers and maga- 
zines to read, a piano to play and a nice fireplace with a bully 
fire to gaze at and perhaps see visions of their homes back in 
the dear old U. S. A. 

" 'I take great pleasure in thanking you for a kind and 
unselfish service rendered to the men of the A. E. F. who 
have had the benefits of your devotion to a good cause.' 

"We had a wonderful time at Christmas. There were sev- 
eral boys who were artists and decorators, and they took 
great pleasure in the decoration of our rooms. Down at the 
Casual Barracks we had a big Christmas tree and holly 
wreaths. There was a dinner for the boys who came through 
that day and the Y. M. C. A. gave them each a package. 

"In the Reading Room the decorations were lovely. We 
made long ropes of boxwood and hung it in festoons through 
the middle of the room. We fashioned two large wreaths of 
the same for the side walls. In the front windows we hung 
large wreaths of holly; the best one of all we put over our 
picture of The Mother Church. It was very difficult to get 
holly — no one had any — but the old Frenchwoman, in the 
house where I lived in the summer time, gave me all the holly 
from one tree which was in the garden. In this way there was 
enough to make wreaths for the two rooms, our Reading 
Room and the one at the Casual Barracks. We had a big 
basket of it on the piano and some on the tables, and we kept 
up a blazing fire in the fireplace and everyone who came in 
exclaimed over the beauty of it all. 

"Some of the boys asked me if they might invite some of 
the other men at the barracks up to the room for New Year's 
Eve, as they were lonely and had no other place to go. Of 

166 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

course I said yes, and we had a real party ! One of the men 
had received some pop corn from the United States, which 
was a great treat, as they do not have it in France. Besides 
this, they made a big bucket of chocolate, had sandwiches, and 
roasted chestnuts in the open fire. Some boys from the Glee 
Club came up and played and sang, and we all sang some of 
our hymns. Then we sat around in the firelight (our gas went 
out at nine o'clock) and told stories. It was a most enjoyable 
time and they were all so appreciative and said they would 
never forget their New Year's Eve in the Christian Science 
Reading Room. 

"The demobilization began along after Christmas, the 
Army Schools being gradually closed, and the outlying forts 
evacuated. This was not done all at once, and our congrega- 
tion kept up right along, averaging about thirty men each 
service. This continued through January and February and 
the Room was finally closed the first of March, 1919." 



TOURS 

Tours, with a population of about 100,000, is one 
of the most remarkable and interesting old cities of 
France. In peace times it is frequented by visitors of 
all nations because it is the center of the famous 
chateau district of the Loire where much of the early 
history of France was made, and because it is here that 
the celebrated St. Martin established the Abbey St. 
Martin which played such an important part in the 
history of Europe. It was to this Abbey that all the 
kings of Europe were wont to repair with rich offer- 
ings for benisons upon their projected activities, good 
and bad. Here also the monks of the Abbey St. Mar- 
tin and of the Abbey of the Marmoutiers plied the art 
of bookmaking, and in the library at Tours are some 
of the finest specimens of these early manuscripts. 

167 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

The normal population of Tours was swelled to 
about 140,000 during the war, by American soldiers 
and refugees. Tours was established as the headquar- 
ters of the Service of Supply for the American army 
early in 1917. This branch of the army, being as 
necessary to the pursuance of war as the army of 
combat, caused Tours to become practically the most 
important city of France from the viewpoint of the 
American army. 

The famous American salvage plant was estab- 
lished here, employing thousands of refugees and 
saving millions of dollars a week to the Americans. 
Railway lines running directly to the headquarters of 
the army of combat were established, the large cen- 
tral prison camp for German prisoners was located 
here, and an elaborate system of telephones was 
installed, superior to anything previously existing in 
France. Many barracks belonging to the French were 
leased by the Americans and entire hotels were taken 
over by our Government for the use of officers and 
American women serving in clerical capacities for the 
army. 

At this important point a Christian Science War 
Relief Depot was established in June, 1918, with two 
Workers, a man and his wife. After much searching 
exactly the right house was found for our purposes, 
described as follows in the words of the Worker: 

"In front of the house is a flower garden about 25 feet 
square, filled with all kinds of flowers that have given a suc- 
cession of blooms the entire season. An iron fence encloses 
this garden, and over this are beautiful trailing vines. The 
house consists, on the ground floor, of a large hall running 
from front to back, a salon and dining room connected with 
double doors. From the dining room double doors open into 

168 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

a court about 10 by 15 feet, decorated with flower boxes on 
two sides, with vines climbing over the wall. This place is 
partly covered with a glass roof, and with a large electric 
light and bamboo furniture, it makes a delightful reading 
room for the hot evenings. The salon and dining room and 
floral retreat are used for reading rooms and answer the pur- 
pose very nicely. The second floor consists of two large bed- 
rooms, nicely furnished, and a bath room, with instantaneous 
heater. The third floor contains servants' quarters, a large 
chamber and storage room. This little third-floor room has 
been designated 'the little upper chamber' and has sheltered 
many a weary pilgrim who has found rest and healing before 
leaving. Visiting Scientists have always found it ready for 
them and it has also served as a little retiring room to which 
the readers have gone for their study and preparation before 
the meetings. The first floor, parlor, dining room and floral 
retreat constitute the auditorium in which the meetings are 
held." 

Services were started at once by the Workers, the 
first one being held in the hotel room in which the 
Workers were temporarily quartered. 

On the Fourth of July, which came shortly after 
our house was opened, the Workers entertained the 
boys at a luncheon which was much enjoyed. 

On the same day a young French boy came to the 
house and asked if he might come in and read some 
French literature on Christian Science. He could 
speak only a few words of English, but fortunately a 
young French girl, who was an ardent lover of Sci- 
ence, happened to be at the rooms, and from her the 
Workers learned that this was the first time the boy 
had ever talked with a Christian Scientist. He told of 
picking up one of our pamphlets at the front and 
reading it. He said he thought it was the most won- 

169 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

derful thing he had ever heard about, that he had read 
and reread it, and having seen our sign, thought he 
would come in and see if he could obtain something 
more on the subject. The next day he returned and 
was disappointed not to find the French girl there. 
The Workers insisted on his coming in, knowing that 
the truth could not be withheld from his hungry heart. 
They talked together for an hour and it was wonder- 
ful, our Workers said, how the truth expressed itself 
so all could understand. He was loaned a copy of the 
French translation of Science and Health and shown 
how to study the lesson. When he left for the front a 
few days later, it was with a joyful heart and he sub- 
sequently wrote to the French girl: 

"At home I read the daily lesson with the keenest interest 
and the greatest admiration, and here in the midst of danger 
my friends are ever wondering at my confidence and feel 
surprised when they see with what eagerness I study this 
Science which they know only by name." 

Our Worker was glad to be able to contribute 1000 
francs towards a Band Fund which was being raised 
to serve with high-class music a permanent camp of 
3000 to 5000 men. This camp was surrounded by the 
most unwholesome influences and the Commanding 
Officer himself subscribed 500 francs for the same pur- 
pose, so anxious was he to help his boys. He was most 
pleased with our assistance. 

In September the first Workers were transferred 
to Paris and a second couple arrived in Tours in that 
month. By this time there had been established a lively 
organization, comfortably housed, with readers, pian- 
ist, soloist and usher for the services, and a customary 
attendance of thirty or more. 

170 




Tours, France, 11 bis Rue de l'Arsenal 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

The work continued to grow rapidly and on the 
expiration of the lease, larger and more centrally 
located quarters were obtained. By the month of De- 
cember from 50 to 70 were in attendance. Moreover, 
a Distribution Committee of officers and enlisted men 
had been formed to aid in preparing papers for 
mailing and local distribution, and some of the soldiers 
took upon themselves the loving duty of going to the 
hospitals to read or write letters for afflicted comrades. 

Arrangements were made with Y. M. C. A. Secre- 
taries to post notices announcing that the Christian 
Science lesson kit could be borrowed from the Secre- 
tary to study the lesson, and a set was supplied every 
Secretary who was willing to accept it. 

One of the duties of the Committee which became 
very heavy toward the end of the war was writing let- 
ters to soldiers in the field. These were in reply to calls 
for help. In some instances the boys were merely 
homesick, nervous, discouraged, or felt they were 
being discriminated against by officers ; in others seri- 
ous maladies, vice and its effects, and inebriety had to 
be overcome. In return, letters of thanksgiving and 
praise to God were received, stating that discords had 
melted away into their native nothingness. 

On every hand, among officers and men there 
existed a wonderful spirit of helpfulness. An auto- 
mobile was placed at the disposal of the Commit- 
tee as often as was needed and a pass furnished by the 
Post Commandant admitting the Worker to all Gov- 
ernment enclosures. 

Enlisted men who had been sent to other fields 
would come back "home" to Tours on leave and stay 
overnight. Many boys said they would rather come 

171 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

there on permission than go to Paris. While the open 
hours were theoretically from 1.30 to 9.30 p.m., there 
was no hour of the day or night when any seeker for 
Truth was not made welcome. For months the day 
when a guest did not arrive before 8.30 in the morning 
was rare, and few nights indeed, saw the last reluctant 
reader leaving the house before 11.30. Many of the 
younger lads made a practice of coming to the Rooms 
directly after the evening meal. The first part of the 
evening they would spend in study, then they would 
come into the living room to talk with the Workers 
and other visitors. Later when all readers had de- 
parted they would play the piano for they were seldom 
without a good musician in their midst, and the lads 
spent many a happy hour listening to good music. 

Many hundreds of times the Workers heard the boys 
say: "This is just like home," or "Where would we go 
if we didn't have a home like this?" One boy wrote 
back from a base port speaking of a disagreeable 
environment in the camp, "You know, I spent all my 
spare time at the House and I'd forgotten the manner 
of conversation which goes on in the barracks." He 
mentioned, however, that one of his companions hav- 
ing made an evil remark, at once apologized to him* 
not because the Science boy gave any outward sign of 
disapproval, but because he had reflected enough of 
what he had learned in Science and Health to call 
forth that recognition. 

The French people who came to the meetings 
seemed much interested in seeing a King James Ver- 
sion of the Bible, and a number of copies of the Bible 
and Science and Health have gone into homes where 
they are being studied diligently. The Public Library 

172 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

of Tours was presented with two copies of the French 
edition of Science and Health, and one can feel sure 
that the seed of Truth has thus been planted in old 
Touraine. Of its fruitage there can be no doubt. 

The Christian Science Monitor was a welcome visi- 
tor in all of the "Y" huts in and around Tours for 
almost a year. It was delivered each time a shipment 
came, at Rannes Barracks, Beaumont Barracks, Cafe 
du Palais, Trianon Theater Reading Room, Ber anger 
Gardens Officers' Club, Hotel de Bordeaux (officers) , 
Hotel Terminus (officers), Hotel Metropole (offi- 
cers), Hotel Negociants and Hotel Central. The two 
last-named hotels were occupied by the women of the 
A. E. F. 

Just outside the city limits of Tours is St. Pierre 
de Corps, an important railway transfer point, at 
which the troops entrained and through which, during 
the fighting days, came men from the base ports on 
their way to the front, and wounded men coming back 
to the hospitals. There the Committee supplied the 
Red Cross with Monitors and these were seized with 
avidity by one and all, the men being unstinted in 
their praise of the paper. 

At St. Pierre was also located the largest prison 
camp of the Americans, where a "Y" was placed for 
the 1000 or more guards. Camp de Grasse with from 
3000 to 5000 men, Rochambeau with an equal number, 
and the Engineers' Construction Camp with their 
quota of workers all received the Monitor regularly. 

The Second Aviation Instruction Center, about six 
kilometers from Tours, had a hut where there was 
always a great demand for papers. This camp prob- 
ably furnished the largest number of regular attend- 

173 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

ants at our services. During a portion of the time it 
was impossible to get late passes and the boys would 
be obliged to leave before the end of the lesson and 
then run part of the way up a long steep hill to be 
back by ten o'clock. As it rained almost every day for 
several months, one can appreciate the devotion to 
good which these lads showed. Later they succeeded in 
getting special church passes. 

Our Room in Tours continued to be active during 
the demobilization period. However, as one of the 
Christian Science army chaplains was transferred to 
this point, he was able to look after the needs of the 
Scientists who remained. The Room was closed on 
June 20, 1919. 

BORDEAUX 

Bordeaux was selected by the United States as one 
of the principal base centers from which to supply the 
American Expeditionary Forces, and accordingly 
large docks were built on the river Garonne, fur- 
nished with all the modern equipment necessary to 
handle expeditiously immense tonnage of freight, in- 
cluding many large electric cranes capable of unload- 
ing several ships at one time. The docks were con- 
nected with complete and ample railway facilities, 
cold storage plants and vast warehouses, and during 
the war a large part of the American supplies were 
handled at this city. 

Near the American docks were two embarkation 
camps where there were over 20,000 men at all times, 
new troops taking the place of those embarking for 
home. At Pauillac farther down the river was another 
embarkation camp with a capacity of 10,000 men. 

174 



124 






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V 


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f|F_ 




3 


t\ 


— v_---»»-^ 


P* * ~J^nf — — 1 


i 


3 iJ 


J^^B -H 








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War Relief Depot, Le Mans, France 




Another view of the Le Mans Depot 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

The area occupied by this base section was reported 
to be about 30,000 square miles, in which were twelve 
American base hospitals and eight camp hospitals 
with a total capacity of 60,000 beds. During the prog- 
ress of the war the base hospitals near Bordeaux 
contained many sick and wounded brought back from 
the front in hospital trains. 

For many months there was at all times a large 
number of American soldiers in this section, probably 
never less than 50,000. Before the armistice 10,000 
American motor trucks were continually operating 
in the area, with an army of engineers to keep the 
roads in repair. In normal times Bordeaux is said to 
have 265,000 inhabitants but during the war its popu- 
lation increased to 400,000. 

Our Workers, a man and his wife, arrived in Bor- 
deaux on June 7, 1918. After several days' search 
they found a furnished apartment, occupying the 
entire second story of a building, on a main street of 
the city at 187 rue Fondaudege. A large sunny front 
room was used for a reading and writing room, in 
the rear of which was an office which served for dis- 
tribution work. On Sundays these two rooms could be 
thrown together for services. There was a small recep- 
tion hall used for a practitioner's office and in the back 
of the apartment were a bedchamber and kitchen 
utilized as living quarters by the Workers. 

The General in command of this base section re- 
ceived our Workers cordially and ordered a notice of 
the rooms posted on the bulletin boards of all military 
organizations under his jurisdiction. Notices were 
also placed in various centers about the camps. 
In one case a young officer asked for a dozen to 

175 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

be posted in conspicuous places. He was not a Scien- 
tist but he loved the Monitor and wanted to help 
Christian Scientists to find our Rooms. 

Regular services were soon begun, being held at 
five o'clock, an hour which seemed to suit the great- 
est number of men. The boys began to come from far 
and near, all most grateful to have found the Rooms. 
One day after the Sunday service a soldier came 
quietly to the Worker and slipped a hundred-franc 
note into his hand, "To assist in the work of the Com- 
mittee," he said. This was not exceptional, either in 
this depot, or in others in France. The boys were eager 
to show their gratitude for the help received in the 
Christian Science Rooms and our Workers regularly 
sent to the Paris office sums ranging, in Bordeaux, 
for instance, as high as 365 francs ($73) a month, 
representing voluntary donations from men in the 
service. 

As soon as the men began to be aware of the exist- 
ence of the War Relief Depot our Workers were 
called upon to send out large quantities of literature 
and to answer many calls for help. They had also to 
devote some time to the civilian population for the 
French themselves began to visit the Rooms, and find- 
ing the truth attractive, became regular attendants at 
the Christian Science services. A French lady in Bor- 
deaux, who had been a student of Christian Science 
for several years and whose appreciation of the oppor- 
tunity to attend services was very great, bought a 
copy of the French-English textbook, donating it to 
the Room to be loaned as occasion arose. It was imme- 
diately loaned and was in constant use ever after. 
This same lady sent a beautiful potted plant on 

176 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

Thanksgiving Day as another evidence of her grati- 
tude. There was proof in all the War Relief Depots 
of the growing interest in Christian Science among 
the French people, manifested in numerous requests 
for literature, calls for help and attendance at the 
services. 

When our Workers at the Bordeaux branch made 
known their desire to present the Mayor of the city 
with a check for 5000 francs for the relief of war suf- 
ferers on behalf of The Mother Church Fund, the 
American consul offered to act as interpreter. The 
Mayor sent his secretary in an automobile to convey 
our Workers to his country home, where he received 
them most cordially. He was deeply moved on being 
presented with the check and said : 

"This is but one more evidence of the bigness and thought- 
fulness and loving-kindness of the Americans in their desire 
to help in every way possible in this terrible war, and I am 
very glad to accept this trust and will do all in my power to 
carry out their desires. If I were not a Frenchman I would 
want to be an American." 

Truly from his viewpoint, this was the highest praise 
he could offer. 

A most appreciated service rendered by our Work- 
ers in France was in sending information to friends 
and families in the United States about their dear ones 
in the service. Writing to the Bordeaux office, one 
mother says: 

"Your epistle of July 10 is at hand. Words fail me to 
express my appreciation and thanks. You cannot imagine 
my surprise when I read your letter, nor my happiness. I 
cried for joy. Just to hear from someone who was with my 
dear boy, and then to know that Love is finding a way. . . . 

177 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

I received a letter yesterday from my son telling me of your 
gift (a vest-pocket textbook) and of the fine talks you had 
had. It certainly is a pleasure to me, and a great comfort, to 
know you and your wife visit him." 

Of Thanksgiving in the Bordeaux Rooms the 
Workers wrote: 

"The Thanksgiving service was truly a joyous occasion, 
and in the testimonials given much gratitude was expressed 
for the help and benefits received in Christian Science. At 
six o'clock when our dinner was prepared the five boys who 
were reading and writing in the Rooms at that time were 
invited to share it. Their surprise and happiness were spon- 
taneous and genuine, and as they gathered around the table, 
all agreed that it was 'just like home.' " 

As elsewhere the healing work at Bordeaux was the 
most important phase of the activity. One incident 
may be related to show something of what was accom- 
plished. An officer wounded in battle was brought to 
a hospital near this city, and being a student of Chris- 
tian Science telegraphed for treatment. He was very 
ill, but was resisting with all his understanding the 
surgeons' determination to amputate his leg. Treat- 
ment was given him at once, his condition improved 
and when the Worker visited him he said he knew 
the demonstration was made and that Christian Sci- 
ence had saved his leg. His gratitude was very great. 

The Bordeaux Room was very active during the 
earlier months of demobilization, but was finally 
closed on May 31, 1919. As the last Sunday services 
were so well attended, arrangements were made to 
continue them in a Red Cross hut as long as any 
soldiers remained in this area. 

178 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

BREST 

About fifty per cent of the American Expedition- 
ary Forces entered France through the port of Brest. 
This city was France's main naval port before the war 
but had not much importance from a commercial 
standpoint. Its normal population of about 90,000 was 
increased to 120,000 by the influx of troops. 

There were a number of camps located in the envi- 
rons of Brest, and four hospitals in or near the city, 
one at Kerhuon having 4000 beds, another at Camp 
Pontanezan with the same number and Naval Bases 
No. 1 and No. 5 having 500 beds each, making a total 
of 9000. 

The Christian Science War Relief Workers arrived 
in June, 1918. They had been supplied by the Paris 
Scientists with the name of one Christian Scientist, 
a sailor who was on a destroyer working from this 
base. 

A note had been sent to this young man and on the 
second day after the arrival of the Workers he called, 
bringing with him a nurse who had become interested 
in Science before leaving America. The nurse knew 
of another Scientist, then a patient in the hospital to 
which she was attached, and of two others slightly 
interested. It was decided to begin services at once, so 
on the following Sunday the first Christian Science 
service ever held in Brest took place with five persons 
present. This number increased steadily until the aver- 
age attendance reached about thirty. 

Of their first experiences the Workers write: 

"Upon our arrival here, we thought we had never seen so 
(dirty a place, both morally and physically. Needless to say 
we were unable to find either a Room for our War Relief 

179 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR. 

work or even an apartment in which to live until we had 
proved somewhat the unreality of the seeming evil. The de- 
termination to see at least one good thing as we passed down 
the street, and to be grateful for it, was the key which opened 
the way here, bringing blessing to numbers of others. This 
one good pure thing which was uncontaminated by the belief 
of evil which seemed to attach itself to everything else, was 
the sunshine. Being grateful for the sunshine opened our 
eyes to other good things — the Rooms were soon found and 
opened, and a suitable place to live speedily followed." 

The Rooms secured by the Committee were at 16 
rue Amiral JLinois, and were cleaned and renovated 
for our purposes. Across the front of the room there 
extended a large window and on its ledge our litera- 
ture was displayed — a late Monitor, Le Heraut 
opened at a convincing testimony of healing, the vest- 
pocket Science and Health and a copy of the French- 
English edition of the same book. Many passers-by 
stopped to glance at the window and eventually came 
into the Rooms. 

In order to work with the men in the outlying camps 
it was necessary to secure permission from the Y. M. 
jC. A. Secretary in charge of the district. He readily 
gave his consent and the Base Commander added his 
approval and gave our Worker a permanent pass good 
for all camps in Army Base No. 5. Cards announcing 
the location of the Rooms were posted in the " Y" huts 
in town and the Scientists soon began to be aware of 
the presence of the Workers. A later order from the 
War Department placed our work under the juris- 
diction of the chaplain, but it was allowed to continue 
uninterruptedly. 

At the camps in the district where permission to 
visit town was rarely granted, boxes for communica- 

180 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

tion were established in the "Y" huts. Into these, 
Christian Scientists who wished to see the Worker or 
send him a message, dropped their names. Hundreds 
of boys were located in this way. 

Literature distribution was carried on in this Depot 
on the same scale as elsewhere, the Monitor work 
growing from 25 to 225 daily. 

From the first there was a very healthy interest 
manifested by the French people of Brest. The 
French textbooks in the Lending Library were in con- 
stant circulation. Our Workers mention a French 
doctor, a Belgian soldier, a French sergeant and a 
French sailor among a number of others to whom the 
textbook was given or sold. One day a Frenchman 
who had purchased a Science and Health some months 
previous, came in to express his happiness at having 
found this satisfying and helpful religion. His con- 
versation revealed the fact that he was a careful stu- 
dent and had made splendid progress. As he was about 
to go, he gave the attendant a fifty- franc note, saying: 

"I know you must have many expenses here. My happiness 
is unbounded and I want to help make it possible for others to 
know about this religion." 

An interesting case of healing which occurred in 
the Brest Depot was that of a French sergeant. He 
borrowed Science and Health, and later became so 
interested in it that he bought a copy in leather bind- 
ing. He told the Workers that he had been healed of 
insomnia by reading the book and that a disease of 
the heart was also disappearing in the same way. 
There were also many calls from the American sol- 
diers and our Workers were kept very busy respond- 

181 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

ing to letters, telegrams and messages asking for 
treatment in Christian Science. 

The Brest Depot was one of the last of the Rooms 
to close as a great number of men passed through the 
city during the demobilization period. 

ST. NAZAIRE 

In the first week of July, 1918, a Christian Science 
War Relief Depot was opened in the city of St. 
Nazaire, France. It was ideally located on the rue 
Ville-es-Martin, the main highway for the motor bus 
lines operating between St. Nazaire and the outlying 
army camps. The rooms taken for this purpose were 
on the ground floor and had formerly been used for a 
huvette or bar room. They were comfortably fur- 
nished by the Committee with a piano, writing desks 
and easy-chairs, and flowers on the tables always 
added a bright and cheerful touch. Some months after 
they were opened two sailors entered expecting to find 
the buvette of former days. Undaunted by the 
marked change, however, they remained and read for 
some time. 

St. Nazaire is not an old city, as cities go in France, 
the first Mayor having taken office in 1790. Until that 
time the village had been nothing more than a coast 
fishing town. It was admirably situated for a port of 
commerce, however, standing as it does at the mouth 
of the Loire River, and when a floating dock was built 
to meet the difficulties presented by the changing tides, 
the city became an important port. 

It was selected by the American Government as one 
of the chief debarkation ports for the American 
troops and the population of the city increased 
enormously on this account. In normal peace times the 

182 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

inhabitants numbered approximately 40,000, whereas 
a conservative estimate of the permanent population 
located in St. Nazaire and its environs during the war, 
was 85,000. 

Just west of the city a large camp accommodating 
12,000 soldiers was built. This was only used for con- 
centration purposes, however, for both the American 
and British troops. The Americans later built numer- 
ous camps about the city, holding from 400 to 2000 
men each. Montoir, a near-by point, should properly 
be included in the St. Nazaire area. 

Besides the camps, the following hospitals were 
located at St. Nazaire: Base Hospital No. 101 ; Camp 
Hospital No. 11; Field Hospital No. 44; Evacuation 
Ambulance Company No. 22; Mobile Ambulance 
Company No. 44; Base Dispensary; Medical Detach- 
ment Embarkation Camp. The personnel of these 
various hospitals totaled 95 officers, 759 men and 106 
nurses. 

When the War Relief Depot was first opened regu- 
lar Christian Science services were held on Sunday 
and Wednesday. Later, in order to accommodate sol- 
diers coming from outlying camps, two services were 
held on Sunday. The meetings were conducted entirely 
by the men, who assumed the duties of readers, pian- 
ist and soloist. The readers were elected for a period 
of two months. The congregation represented many 
different branches of the service, sailors, marines, sol- 
diers, Y. M. C. A. workers, nurses, all military dis- 
tinctions being laid aside when one entered the room. 
There was a very good attendance, averaging, our 
Worker says, about thirty. 

The literature distribution work grew by leaps and 

183 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

bounds. Monitors were supplied to troop trains leav- 
ing for the front and to ships returning to the States. 
"Y" huts, Red Cross stations, hospitals, military 
camps, Officers' Clubs, the American Commissary De- 
partment, hotels, barber shops, restaurants and many 
other places received the Monitor, an average of 400 
a week being distributed in this way. There was also 
a large demand for textbooks, Bibles, Quarterlies and 
the other periodicals. 

Our Worker presented the Mayor of St. Nazaire 
with a check for 2500 francs on behalf of the Commit- 
tee for the relief of war sufferers. Shortly afterwards 
there appeared in one of the leading newspapers a 
notice from which we quote in part : 

"In the list of subscriptions collected is a gift of 2500 
francs given by the Christian Science War Relief Committee 
whose main office is at 3 Avenue de V Opera, Paris. 

"This Committee maintains an office at St. Nazaire at 
130 rue Ville-es-Martin, managed by Miss B. 

"Its benevolent action, which is extended to all who suffer 
from hostilities, is manifested in the form of help in money 
and supplies. 

"The municipality has expressed its hearty thanks to the 
generous donors whose act will permit it to relieve some 
misfortunes." 

As in other places, the Rooms became a home to the 
Science boys and as was fitting, a home dinner was 
served on Thanksgiving Day to about twenty persons. 
Even the chef and his assistants were Scientists. It 
was a real Thanksgiving feast with turkey and "all 
the fixins'," as the boys put it. 

Christmas also did not pass without observance. 
Two large trees were secured through the efforts of 
the boys, and the Y. M. C. A. furnished a box of 

184 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

decorations. Adjacent to the Room were quartered 
some men from the Medical Corps who helped by 
furnishing two large containers of coffee and choco- 
late. This, with French biscuits, jam and candy, con- 
stituted the refreshments. The men's pleasure was 
unmistakable and they were particularly appreciative 
of the fact that here they were free from army disci- 
pline. 

Much could be written of the healing work accom- 
plished in this depot, and the following letter sent to 
our Worker will perhaps serve to illustrate many 
other cases. 

"I received your favor, enclosing the two Quarterlies and 
two pieces of literature, and your kind note, today. I was 
delighted to get it all and am greatly obliged to you for 
sending it to me. I don't remember whether I mentioned in 
my other letter that the diagnosis card which came with me 
showed a compound fracture of the leg, but the X-ray picture 
taken here showed no fracture at all. The doctor here was 
puzzled as to how the first X-ray could have made a mistake. 
Whether he made a mistake or not, I do not know, but I do 
know that I have great cause for gratitude for what under- 
standing I have of Christian Science. The leg is coming along 
in very good shape and I expect to be on my way back to 
join my company soon." 

NANTES 

When France was called Gaul, and Brittany was 
Armorica, Nantes already existed as a seaport of some 
importance. There are in the museums and archives 
relics and inscriptions dating to 200 A. D. which show 
that the city was a place of some consequence even at 
that early date. The history of Nantes for three or 
four hundred years after the second century reads like 
the story of "The House That Jack Built," for the 

185 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Bretons came, saw and conquered, and were followed 
in turn by the Franks and later by the Normans, until 
finally the "invading hordes were vanquished" and a 
measure of peace reigned. Houses were then built 
outside the old city walls, docks and quays sprang 
up along the river, and at last a cathedral appeared 
high on the hill which dominates the city. 

The location of Nantes, only fifty-five kilometers 
from the sea, and at the junction of the railroad lines 
from Bordeaux, Brest, St. Nazaire and Paris, with 
direct communication with Brest by canal, made it an 
advantageous freight port, and great quantities of 
food and ammunition passed through it before and 
after the armistice. Fifty thousand refugees from the 
devastated districts of France and from Belgium were 
allotted to Nantes as the quota of the fifth largest city 
in the country. Its narrow streets were crowded with 
soldiers and sailors. American hospitals sprang up 
and American ships sailed up the Loire, and Nantes, 
which had been proud of its provincialism, proud of 
being "different" even from the rest of France, 
Nantes, which had known nothing of America, became 
a supply depot for the American army. 

The most important single branch of activity was 
centered at the vast Motor Transport Park, where 
hundreds of motor cars and trucks were assembled 
every day. After the armistice Nantes became a 
billeting area for troops returning to the United 
States and, during the winter, men from all branches 
of the service were stationed there waiting to go home. 
At one time the personnel of forty-seven American 
hospital units were awaiting transportation. There 
were also, of course, many men regularly stationed at 

186 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

Nantes, Pioneer Infantry, Engineers, Marines, the 
Quartermasters' Corps, and there was an aviation field 
at St. Jean de Monts. 

In a suburb of Nantes an American hospital center 
was established consisting of five units accommodat- 
ing about ten thousand men. At Savenay, in the 
Nantes area, was the largest hospital center in France, 
said to care for between eighty and a hundred thou- 
sand men. These were base hospitals and provided for 
fracture, neuropathic, tubercular and contagious cases 
as well as convalescents. 

There were eight permanent Y. M. C. A. huts in or 
near Nantes — all rather small by comparison with 
those in other places. The American Red Cross had 
three huts in the city, one at Clisson for a short time 
and several at the hospital at Savenay. The Knights 
of Columbus did not open rooms at Nantes until Jan- 
uary, 1919, although they tried several times to find 
a satisfactory location, and the Jewish Welfare Board 
did not come until the latter part of February, 1919, 
while the Salvation Army had no building at all. This 
made the Christian Science War Relief Rooms of sin- 
gular importance. When the Christian Scientists 
arrived in September, 1918, only four of the Y. M. 
C. A. huts had been opened, and the War Relief 
Rooms, completely and comfortably furnished, were 
therefore especially welcome. 

The Depot was located in the center of the city, at 
the junction of two of the most important streets, one 
leading to the Y. M. C. A. city hut, and the other to 
what was later the headquarters of the Knights of 
Columbus. Just around the corner were the American 
Post Office and the headquarters of the American 

187 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

army. The Rooms consisted of a large salon, which 
the soldiers used as a lounging room, with comfortable 
chairs and a cheerful open fireplace. Here Chris- 
tian Science services were held every Sunday and 
Wednesday. Adjoining this room — connecting with it 
by a large doorway — was the reading room, arranged 
with tables for reading and writing. Next to the read- 
ing room was a small office and on the other side of 
the corridor was a business office where French peo- 
ple and refugees applying for help could be received. 
Opening out of this was a large room where Christian 
Science literature and warm clothing for civilians and 
soldiers were stored, and where the literature was 
wrapped for mailing. 

Letters were received daily asking for literature 
from men in the various barracks and hospitals, and 
aside from this distribution of Sentinels, Journals, 
Herauts, pamphlets and Quarterlies, a hundred 
Monitors were mailed each day to individuals who had 
asked for them, and to all the relief huts. It was not at 
all uncommon for officers, not Christian Scientists, to 
send their orderlies to the Rooms for Monitors, and 
they often came themselves and asked if they might 
subscribe for the paper for a month or two. 

The soldiers' edition of Science and Health was 
always in demand. The little books could be read so 
easily and inconspicuously that the men were able to 
use them under all circumstances, and only a soldier 
knows what that means. They were read in bunks and 
hospital beds and freight cars, as well as in forests 
and trenches at the front, and everywhere they carried 
the same message of healing and comfort. In order not 
to mar them, many men carried the books in their little 

188 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

boxes in an inside pocket, and the reverence and grati- 
tude with which they handled them showed how great 
a value they placed upon them. 

There were few requests from civilians in Nantes 
for literature. Some French people visited the Rooms 
confessedly out of curiosity and each of these asked 
for French pamphlets. A few, however, became sin- 
cerely interested in Christian Science, bought the 
books and attended an occasional service ; but for the 
most part they had little desire to "think on these 
things," being profoundly concerned with human 
affairs. Those who were interested enough to study the 
literature found Science and Health so entirely satis- 
fying that they no longer wanted to read anything 
else, and they invariably had a great appreciation of 
Mrs. Eddy. 

The people of Nantes for the most part understood 
and praised the purpose of the Christian Science War 
Relief Committee. When it became known that the 
Christian Scientists had given 5000 francs for the 
relief of the refugees during the winter, a great deal 
of gratitude and a very friendly interest in the wel- 
fare of the Workers was expressed. The news of the 
gift to the city and the willingness of the committee to 
help with the Community Christmas tree were sub- 
jects for much conversation in Nantes for many days. 
The tree, too, to which were given warm clothing, 
candy bags, and toys for two hundred war orphans, 
was a complete success, and seemed to add to the im- 
pression already abroad that Christian Science was in 
every way a religion to be commended. As a practical 
proof of appreciation our War Relief Committee was 
given the place of honor at the New Year's dinner 

189 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

given by the French to two hundred American officers, 
and the Workers were put at the table with the 
colonel in command of the American troops in that 
district, and other especially distinguished guests. 

Thanksgiving and Christmas gave our Committee 
an opportunity to give a little special pleasure to some 
of the soldiers who would otherwise have had only 
the dull round of duty and the cheerlessness of bar- 
racks and hospitals on those days when home seems 
particularly dear. On Thanksgiving Day a big turkey 
dinner was spread in the reading room, and all who 
came were made happy by the sight and taste of the 
familiar bird, surrounded by many kinds of vegetables 
in true American style, and adorned on either side 
with plates of "wonderful white bread" — a real lux- 
ury. The Thanksgiving dinner was such a success that 
two turkeys were prepared at Christmas time, and 
more guests invited, and apple pies and strawberry 
tarts were added to the menu, and there was a Christ- 
mas tree with candy bags and tinsel, and there were 
branches of holly and mistletoe tied with red ribbon! 
At the testimonial meeting which occurred that night 
many men expressed gratitude for the Rooms that had 
been provided by Christian Scientists for the soldiers 
in France, and for the comfort and protection, as well 
as for the healing, which those Rooms had brought to 
them. 

The work of the Christian Science War Relief Com- 
mittee in Nantes, was, of course, largely among those 
who needed healing. The men in the hospitals who 
knew something of Christian Science were anxious to 
have that help, and many others who heard that there 
were Christian Scientists in the vicinity asked for 

190 




War Relief Depot, Brest, France 




msR* 




War Relief Depot, Nevers, France 



War Relief Depot at 
St. Nazaire, France 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

treatment. Some of the nurses and other workers who 
were interested in Science encouraged the men to turn 
to it when all other help seemed to have failed, and 
again and again in such instances treatment was given 
and the patient healed. Men were relieved quickly of 
shell shock and healed almost instantly of influenza, 
mumps, headaches, sore throat, and infection. Treat- 
ment was begun for one man who had had both legs 
shattered and had been lying for more than six months 
with the bedclothes held away from him, as the slight- 
est weight caused suffering. In a little over three 
weeks he was able to be partially dressed and go home 
to the United States. Another case of lost memory, 
resulting from a year's constant service at the front, 
was healed within a few days, and a lieutenant, with a 
severe attack of influenza and a very high tempera- 
ture, was healed of the fever and of the other symp- 
toms of the disease before he reached the hospital to 
which he had been ordered. Another lieutenant was 
healed of a condition of insanity in a few hours and 
was sent home a short time after. 

Many men were healed while reading Science and 
Health. One officer who had been told that he was 
in a very serious condition with heart trouble and that 
it would be months, perhaps years, before he would be 
able to go upstairs comfortably, heard of Christian 
Science through a French boy who had been reading 
the literature, and sent to the reading room for "the 
little book." He was healed after reading for ten days, 
and called at the Rooms to ask questions and to leave 
a generous donation to the War Relief Committee. 

It would be possible to multiply these cases many 
times but enough has been said to indicate that the 

191 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Rooms in Nantes were a center from which radiated 
healing, comfort and joy to the men in this area. 
They continued to do a splendid work until April, 
1919, when the departure of the troops made their 
maintenance no longer necessary. 

NEVERS 

Christian Science War Relief Rooms were opened 
in the town of Nevers, France, in September, 1918. 
Situated at the confluence of the Nievre and Loire 
rivers, Nevers is almost the central point of France, 
being 157 miles from Paris. Its principal industry is 
pottery, which has been handed down from father to 
son since the seventeenth century. Aside from the pot- 
tery works and small mercantile establishments, Ne- 
vers is the center of an agricultural district. 

Like many cities of France, its history dates back 
to the old Roman times. The ancient Roman walls 
overgrown with ivy, the ducal palace of feudal times, 
the beautiful old cathedral of St. Cyr with its flam- 
boyant Gothic architecture, the church of St. Etienne 
founded in the reign of Thierry II, King of France 
about the year 600, and several fine towers and gates, 
are all of interest to the visitor. 

The Christian Science Rooms served not only the 
boys located in the Service of Supply branches of the 
American army in Nevers (locomotive repair shops, 
Quartermasters' Corps, railroad men, engineers and 
labor troops numbering about 25,000) but also the 
Hospital Centers of Mesves twenty-five miles north, 
Mars about ten miles south, Pouges les Eaux six miles 
north, and the Motor Repair shops at Verneuil 
twenty-five miles east. During the month of October, 

192 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

1918, there were over 39,000 patients at Mesves, and 
about 30,000 at Mars and Pouges les Eaux. The Ver- 
neuil shops were run by about 10,000 of Uncle Sam's 
boys. 

The Workers arrived in Nevers on September 15, 
1918, and at once had a most satisfactory interview 
with the Commanding General of the section. He 
offered them the use of the army transport service 
whenever needed and referred them to the billeting 
officer, who was of great assistance in locating quar- 
ters for the Reading Rooms. 

These were opened on the ground floor at 5 Avenue 
St. Just. This street was the main thoroughfare for 
both civilians and soldiers, on the direct road to near- 
by camps. The transformation from a French pastry 
shop to Christian Science Reading Rooms proved 
interesting. The permanent fixtures in the large room 
consisted of a cashier's desk at the rear and small 
counters on either side. These proved to be most use- 
ful, the cashier's desk making an excellent Reader's 
desk during the services, while the counters afforded 
ample space for the display of literature, the enclosed 
shelving being used for supplies. The entire rear wall 
was covered with a mirror and there were large mir- 
rors also above the counters. It was the desire of the 
workers to combine beauty with comfort in the rooms 
and to give the impression of an American living 
room. This was accomplished, and it meant much to 
the boys in contrast with the barrenness of army 
barracks. 

In addition to the permanent fixtures, a large read- 
ing table was placed in the center of the room on which 
were all of Mrs. Eddy's works, Bibles and other litera- 

193 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

ture. A picture of The Mother Church and of our 
Leader were hung on the walls. Writing tables and 
stationery were provided, as well as a piano and a 
French stove. Potted plants in attractive jardinieres, 
bright table covers, old rose cretonne draperies and 
net curtains, all gave a sense of home. Moreover, elec- 
tric lights were installed which shone out into the 
darkened street, a beacon light to soldier and civilian. 

The first Christian Science service in Nevers was 
held in the office of the Rooms on Sunday, September 
29, at 3 p.m. It was attended by American soldiers 
and Signal Corps and Y. M. C. A. girls. The office 
was soon outgrown and the main room was opened for 
services on October 20 and proved none too large to 
accommodate the steadily increasing attendance. In 
response to a request from some of the personnel at 
one of the units in a large hospital center, the Workers 
started services in the Red Cross hut on October 6. 
Because of the duties of the hospital personnel and the 
constant changing of patients, the services had a dif- 
ferent audience each week. Services were also started 
at another hospital on October 20, the Captain of the 
Red Cross kindly offering the use of his office for the 
purpose for a time. 

During the first month of the Workers' stay the 
attendance steadily increased. Some of these visitors 
were transients, others became regular attendants. 
All the different branches of the service, including Red 
Cross and Y. M. C. A. workers, were represented. The 
simple and sincere gratitude of the boys for the bless- 
ings afforded them through the Reading Room found 
expression in the visitors' book, in which the follow- 
ing remarks were noted from among many more : 

194 




Living Room, Nantes, France 



s j^ > je ^^^^^^^Sf 


ifflL 


1 


| | 
11 


-w* -„„.-■>,■■■■••-■■-■- .-•"■*'• 



Interior, War Relief Depot, Nevers, France 




Christian Science War Relief Headquarters, Bordeaux, France 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

"Insufficient room in this to contain my gratitude." 

"First warm place I've found in France." 

"A mighty cheerful place." 

"Tres bien maison" (A. E. F. French!) 

"More like home than anything I've found in ten months." 

In one of their reports the Workers wrote : 

"We have proved, that love is the universal language. A 
touching incident of this occurred in the Reading Room 
recently. A young French boy who has been coming in to 
read the French-English edition of the textbook and who 
does not speak a word of English, found expression for his 
gratitude in actions rather than words. One evening we found 
him working in the office with the American boys, stamping 
Christian Science Monitors, and he showed by his beaming 
countenance that he was thoroughly enjoying the work. At 
another time when the necessity arose for making a sign in 
French for the window, he eagerly offered to make one, and 
it is now in its place." 

The Workers received many letters and telegrams 
from boys in distant camps and hospitals, desiring 
treatment or literature. In some instances they re- 
sponded in person, traveling sometimes several hun- 
dred miles by train or motor in order to give the heal- 
ing message of Truth, or to render some human 
service which meant so much to the giver and receiver. 
Early in January the Worker visited a classification 
and evacuation camp at St. Aignan (a day's jour- 
ney by motor) to render assistance to a boy who had 
been waiting six weeks for his Service Record Card to 
arrive from the Central Records' Office. Upon investi- 
gation, the error was uncovered and corrected. The 
boy in question was thus enabled to leave immediately 
for an embarkation port. It also released over 2000 

195 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

others who had been delayed for the same reason, 
another proof that "whatever blesses one blesses all." 
(Science and Health, page 206.) 
In another report our Workers write: 

"It has been interesting to learn how divine Love has led 
the boys to find the Reading Rooms or to write for help. One 
boy who had been in a near-by hospital for several weeks told 
of his demonstration. As he lay on his cot, he took up the 
thought of the Vine and its branches, using the 15th chapter 
of John. He said he likened the Vine to The Mother Church. 
Being a member of this church, he knew he was also one 
with its branches and all its branch activities and could not 
be separated from them ; and he knew that divine Mind would 
reveal to him the way to find a practitioner. For several days 
nothing unfolded, but he continued faithful in his meta- 
physical work. Then one day his nurse brought him a Paris 
edition of the New York Herald, wherein he found the list 
of the Christian Science War Relief Depots in France. He 
immediately wrote to the Committee at Nevers and is now 
with the Army of Occupation in Germany." 

Of the French, our Workers wrote as follows: 

"During the past month, numbers of French soldiers have 
been returning to their homes to take up their normal activi- 
ties. Several have visited our Rooms, telling us that they 
had learned about Christian Science from their comrades at 
the front. French-English editions of Science and Health 
were sold to four of these soldiers and they were also supplied 
with Le Heraut de Christian Science. 

"A young Frenchman who has been attending our services 
since the opening of the rooms, recently purchased through 
the Committee a French translation of the Bible and the 
textbook. He studies the Lesson-Sermons from Le Heraut. 

"A vest-pocket edition of the textbook was sold to a 
Frenchwoman who had been a regular attendant at our serv- 

196 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

ices. She has recently left for Algiers to take up her vocation 
of teaching. 

"A French officer who had been disabled sent a relative to 
the Reading Rooms for literature. He had learned of Chris- 
tian Science from an American soldier in the trenches. 

"Another sale of the French-English Science and Health 
was made to a Frenchwoman living in an adjacent town. She 
had read Le Heraut and pamphlets which she procured at 
our Rooms. She wanted to investigate the subject further, 
.together with her sister who was suffering with a disease 
which the doctors diagnosed as incurable. In response to an 
urgent letter, one of the Workers made a special trip to 
deliver the textbook and found a very grateful family ready 
to receive it. 

"A few days before Christmas," says our Worker, "a cap- 
tain of a hospital unit which had just arrived at Mars called 
at our rooms in Nevers to inquire if we could provide him with 
any knitted goods or clothing for his patients. He said that 
his experience with the Christian Science organization in the 
States led him to assume that he would be taken care of with 
dispatch by our overseas representatives, hence his call. In 
less than twenty-four hours after the receipt of our wire, the 
Paris Committee secured a quantity of clothing from the 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Committee in Paris 
and sent us a trunkful, which was distributed to the hospital 
unit the day before Christmas." 

The evacuation of the camps in the Nevers district 
was very rapid and the need for War Relief work 
diminished to such an extent that it was deemed advis- 
able to close the Reading Rooms on April 1, 1919. To 
quote again from our Workers' final report : 

"The benediction used at our last service very appro- 
priately concludes the work in this city. 'For the fruit of the 
Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.' " 

197 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

LE MANS 

In The American Embarkation News of May 17, 
1919, a soldiers' publication printed at Le Mans, there 
appeared the following article : 

"The other day a soldier was passing the large gates back 
of which stands a great house at 13 rue Saint Dominique. 
Pointing to the building he remarked, 'Believe me, Joe, that 
place used to be home to me.' He was referring to the house 
formerly occupied by the Christian Science Welfare and Re- 
lief organization of Le Mans. Their headquarters have been 
moved to 35 and 37 rue la Paille at the intersection of rue 
de la Batterie and rue Bourge d'Augny, where reading and 
rest rooms are available for all soldiers who wish to enjoy 
them. 

"But it was at rue Saint Dominique that soldiers found a 
little paradise of a place. A large, roomy building, wonder- 
fully furnished with heavy, soft rugs in which you lost your 
feet, windows shaded with pretty curtains and walls covered 
with mirrors and art studies greeted the soldier. It was just 
like home. . . . 

"A large fine-toned grand piano was at the disposal of the 
men. Unique little tables served the soldiers with places to 
write and there was always plenty of good stationery. The 
fact is, the Christian Science Welfare and Relief rooms at 
13 rue Saint Dominique were one of those places where a 
soldier wanted to clean his shoes on the outside and remove 
his hat as he entered the door. 

"One of the delightful things about this place, which was 
so popular with the boys, was the quiet that reigned there. 
There was no noise, no hubbub and one could spend a few 
hours in the reading room absolutely undisturbed. . . . 
There are perhaps few men in and about Le Mans who have 
not spent an hour or two in the place and who will not 
acknowledge, like the fellow quoted in the first paragraph, 
that the place was really a home. 

198 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

"The welfare and relief work of the Christian Science 
people here in Le Mans has been done without display or 
circus advertising. They have been handicapped in that they 
were not in the same status as the other organizations. Hav- 
ing done their work quietly and served their purpose well, 
without ostentation, many of the men who have been stationed 
in Le Mans, and others who have passed through here, will 
long remember the unique place which the organization played 
in the welfare of the soldier of the United States in France. 

Thus in their frank way do the boys sum up the 
work of the War Relief Depot established in Le 
Mans. 

The original house referred to in this article was 
situated at 13 rue Saint Dominique in the center of 
the business section of the city and on a main traveled 
street. It contained nine rooms, including a large 
salon used to receive visitors and for Sunday services. 
Adjoining this was the Reading Room, opening into 
two smaller rooms, an office and a mailing room re- 
spectively. There were also living quarters for the 
Workers and two additional bedrooms. These last- 
mentioned chambers served an unusual purpose. Our 
Workers found that many army officers, particularly 
chaplains (whose headquarters were in Le Mans 
while awaiting assignment) were unable to obtain 
sleeping accommodations and were often forced to 
spend the night on the streets. Our rooms, which could 
accommodate five men, were placed at the disposal of 
such officers, and during one month some thirty-four 
chaplains were sheltered in the War Relief house. 
This was with mutual benefit to both host and guests, 
and several men became sufficiently interested in 
Christian Science to request a copy of the textbook 
before departing for their post of duty. 

199 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Le Mans was a most important city from the stand- 
point of the A. E. F. Situated between Paris and the 
coast, on the main railroad line, it became the second 
depot area of the Service of Supply. From a normal 
population of 70,000 the war refugees swelled this 
number to 125,000, without reference to the American 
troops in billets and barracks near the city. The area 
included in the Le Mans district was 500 square miles, 
in which were stationed an average of 40,000 men. As 
our Workers wrote in one of their reports: 

"Everyone had a tremendous amount of work to <do and 
all were driving themselves desperately to get it done. Train- 
ing squads were daily receiving new troops from the States 
and training them until they literally dropped in their tracks. 
Soldiers were continually on the move, thousands stopping for 
a few hours in trains upon sidings or in camps a few miles 
from town. In the town was a Casual Barracks, known in the 
army as the 'mad house.' Here casuals were assembled, — men 
who had been sick or wounded in action, or detached from 
their companies for one reason or another. They were 
assorted, refitted and sent to the front. The average stay was 
two days and it seemed almost impossible for them to procure 
a pass. Everything was jammed full, and the overflow spilled 
out into the muddy fields, and made its bed on the oozy 
ground. Officers passing through the town were very little 
better off than the men. Hundreds walked the streets, or 
slept in stations or hallways, unable to find shelter. Trans- 
portation and food were lacking, all else being subordinated 
to the one purpose of getting everything available up to the 
front. 

"Our question as to why Christian Science should be held 
aloft in Le Mans was very soon answered. The opportunities 
for healing work increased day by day. New points of con- 
tact with the men constantly presented themselves. To raise 
the standard of the men along whatever line their thought 

200 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

was tending and lay a foundation of spiritual truth through 
whatever channel was opened to us, was the relief needed at 
the moment. After looking over the field and securing our 
rooms, we noted the immediate work before us and made plans 
for its proper execution. These plans were submitted to the 
commanding welfare officer in the area and received his ap- 
proval. Thereafter, no step was taken, nor any change made, 
without first submitting it to either the commanding General 
or the welfare officer. 

"From that time to the present everything has prospered. 
The congregation filled the rooms to overflowing, and the 
members proved, in some measure, the power of Principle in 
their own affairs. Our boys secured passes when to human 
reason it seemed impossible, transportation was procured 
when needed, and an official order went out providing for the 
admission and care of The Christian Science Monitor 
throughout the area. The Senior Chaplain of the American 
Embarkation Center sent out a general letter to Y. M. C. A. 
workers and Zone Majors in this area calling their attention 
to The Christian Science Monitor and said: 'It is the wish 
of the Commanding General that the Christian Science 
daily newspaper — the Monitor — enjoy a worthier circulation 
among the men of the American army, than at present 
obtained. Besides furnishing them daily with excellent reading 
material it has had a good moral effect among the men.' " 

"Musicians and booklovers have sent in for the Monitor 
from a considerable distance because of special interest in 
the music and literary pages. A chess player came in to pick 
up back dates for chess problems and many other men have 
come up to make a study of the editorials, declaring that the 
Monitor had given them their first grasp on the world issues, 
in a big way." 

The attendance at the Le Mans services grew rap- 
idly and was very cosmopolitan in character. At one 
Wednesday evening* meeting the congregation in- 

201 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

eluded, besides our American boys, French, Belgian, 
Hungarian and Russian attendants. 
Of civilian inquirers our Workers said: 

"We have had some very interesting experiences with 
French, Belgian and Russian investigators of Christian 
Science. During the first four months nearly two hundred 
inquirers presented themselves. Some of these proved to be 
earnest students and had interesting demonstrations, many 
times entirely through the study of Science and Health. These 
have endured, and in one instance at least, the student is 
proving his faith by healing others." 

As elsewhere, our Workers had many requests for 
treatment. A man born in Russian Tartary and 
raised a Mohammedan, spent many hours each day 
studying Science and Health in the Reading Room. 
He reported that a skin disease of long standing had 
been healed completely since the truth contained in 
Science and Health had been revealed to him and he 
had applied its teachings. A young Frenchman re- 
ported that he had been healed of melancholia, which 
had beset his path all his life, and that he was most 
happy in this understanding of the phantasmal nature 
of evil. 

One very interesting case of healing was that of a 
•young captain, who after a night of great pain, found 
himself unable to move when it came time to report 
to his colonel for some special duty. A doctor was 
called, who after examination stated that the cap- 
tain's appendix had burst and it was impossible to do 
anything for him. A friend had already been sent to 
request Christian Science treatment for the captain 
and shortly after the doctor's visit the War Relief 
Worker arrived. The pain left almost at once and the 

202 




Christian Science Headquarters, Romorantin, France 




In the courtyard at Romorantin 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

man went to sleep. In less than three hours he awak- 
ened perfectly well, arose and dressed himself. 

Mention has been made elsewhere of the excellent 
work done among the war refugees in Le Mans and 
our room was constantly visited by grateful recipients 
of help from the War Relief Fund of The Mother 
Church, who called to thank our Committee for the 
assistance given them. 

Throughout the demobilization period the Le Mans 
Depot was continuously active and, with the excep- 
tion of the one at Brest and the Paris office, was the 
last of the French War Relief Rooms to close its 
doors. 

ROMORANTIN 

In October, 1918, one of our Workers in France, 
who had until that time been active in the Depot at 
St. Nazaire, was sent to establish the work in the town 
of Romorantin. This was a central point serving a 
large military district, including among other places 
Blois, Bourges, Issoudun, Cour Cheverny and St. 
Aignan. Our Worker found a cordial welcome from 
the American and French authorities and secured a 
fine house for the Reading Rooms at 2 rue de VEcu. 
It was on the main square of the town, to which on 
Sundays and holidays band concerts attracted thou- 
sands, who could not fail to see our headquarters. 

Christian Science services were held regularly in 
Romorantin with steadily increasing attendance, until 
Christmas night which was the concluding service. 

Much of the literature distribution from this Depot 
had to be done by mail on account of the large terri- 
tory served. The Soldiers' Distribution Committee 

203 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

supplied large quantities of Monitors to the camps 
and all the Y. M. C. A. huts were well taken care of 
and were glad to have our literature. The hospitals in 
the area likewise were most appreciative of reading 
matter. 

Our Worker received calls for help from boys in 
all the outlying camps. One aviator flew from Issou- 
dun for treatment and then flew back in his machine. 
Another soldier walked twenty miles each way to 
attend a Sunday service. 

In work for the refugees our representative was 
also active and was appointed to serve on a Commit- 
tee, consisting of the Mayor of Romorantin and sev- 
eral business men, to investigate and recommend 
action on refugee cases. 

Almost immediately after the signing of the armis- 
tice, demobilization began and by January 1 it was 
deemed advisable to close our work at this Depot. 
Although active only three months, the Depot filled 
a need. As our Worker says in his final report : 

"Many soldiers found rest, help and comfort during a 
period when they were working under the greatest strain and 
the Committee can be satisfied that it has made a valuable 
contribution to the A. E. F. in its time of urgent need." 

PARIS 

Work at the Paris headquarters at 3 Avenue de 
rOpera, differed somewhat from that of the various 
rooms in other parts of France. The offices were se- 
lected, furnished and opened under the direction of 
the manager of the War Relief Committee who was 
then in France. With him was an experienced 
Camp Welfare Worker who had spent several months 

204 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

at Camp Dix, New Jersey, and the local Christian 
Scientists of Paris added their hearty cooperation. 
The suite of offices in Paris housed several Christian 
Science activities: the joint Reading Room of the 
Paris churches, headquarters of the committee admin- 
istering The Mother Church Relief Fund for France, 
and in addition, the commodious quarters maintained 
by the War Relief Committee. These accommodated 
its clerical force and provided a place in which the 
literature could be received and sent forth for distri- 
bution over Europe. Here also were located reading 
and lounging rooms for men in the service. 

The volume of correspondence which began to pour 
into the Paris office was tremendous. Parents wrote 
for news of their sons. The boys wrote requesting 
literature. The French Depots wrote on matters of 
administration and the Boston office wrote, forward- 
ing all the requests sent by the various State Com- 
mittees of the United States. 

The branch of work known as the "casualty lists" 
grew to enormous proportions. These were the names 
of boys who had been wounded or were in hospitals 
or who had not been heard from, and were forwarded 
from Boston to Paris, either by cable or letter, for 
investigation. The patient, loving effort of the Paris 
Workers to secure the information which would bring 
comfort and relief to the anxious ones at home, effort 
which sometimes involved a long railroad journey and 
hours of search through endless records, ending, per- 
haps, in the report that the boy in question had been 
transferred and the search must begin all over again, 
represented persistent endeavor worthy of the highest 
commendation. 

205 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

After the arrival and location of the second group 
of ten workers in September, 1918, the manager of 
the Committee returned to America, and the Paris 
office was placed in charge of the two Workers who 
had established the Depot at Tours. Two women 
practitioners were also added to the personnel of the 
office. This was necessitated by the constantly grow- 
ing demand for Christian Science treatment from the 
men of the A. E. F. A most important work which 
had been instituted in the early summer, in the hospi- 
tals in and about Paris, was now enlarged. Our women 
Workers visited them regularly, carrying a large sup- 
ply of Monitors and other literature. 

A Worker says : 

"A few moments after distribution, to look back over a 
long corridor of cots and see almost every soldier reading the 
Monitor is a sight never to be forgotten." 

Much impersonal healing work was accomplished 
in the hospitals as the following incident related by 
one of the Workers will indicate : 

"In one of the buildings visited, a boy who had been shot 
through the lungs, repeated the Lord's Prayer all day and 
thus overcame 'the last enemy.' The supervising nurse had 
asked the Monitor visitor to talk with the lad. 'He will 
probably live but a few hours,' said she, 'and he's from your 
town.' This boy, who knew nothing of Christian Science (and 
of course the subject was not mentioned to him), had lost 
his Bible at Chateau Thierry. 'I knew when I did,' he gasped, 
'that it was all up with me, because I had carried that Bible 
with me everywhere.' 'But you did not lose the Lord's 
Prayer,' he was reminded, 'and you could really use that 
prayer all day, actually use it for breathing. Just substitute 
it for breathing if you're a little short of breath. Will you 
promise to say it all day?' And he promised. 

206 




War Relief Room at 38 rue d'Entraigues, Tours, France 




In the House at Nantes, France 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

"Two weeks later the Irish nurse who had him as her 
particular charge, almost shouted: 'Why, John, there's that 
lady who talked to you the day you were so bad, and haven't 
I often been thinking of it since. That was the day you got 
well, John.' Later, the boy was presented by the Committee 
with a Bible. He held the book a moment to his face, tenderly 
caressing it, and quickly slipped it under his pillow. 'There 
is nothing,' said one nurse, 'which the boys so thoroughly 
love as a Bible.' " 

During the influenza epidemic and the last bitter 
weeks of the war, when the American troops were 
winning their laurels in the Argonne and at St. Mihiel, 
all our Paris Workers were busy day and night re- 
sponding to calls for help. Their work also necessi- 
tated a great deal of correspondence — letters to the 
boys themselves, and to their friends. The joy of these 
faithful Workers can well be imagined when pos- 
sibly some time after treatment had been begun a 
stalwart American lad would walk into the War 
Relief Rooms announcing that he was Sergeant C. or 
Lieutenant L. or Private X. and say, "You've been 
helping me, you know, and I'm feeling fine." Some- 
times the boys never got to the Rooms but would send 
grateful letters acknowledging the help received. 

After the signing of the armistice the nature of the 
cases changed somewhat. The enforced idleness into 
which the men were plunged after the continuous 
activity of previous months seemed a fertile soil for 
the seeds of temptation and vice, and many earnest 
boys who appealed to our Workers were helped to 
rise above the conditions which threatened to engulf 
them and were shown how to be contented and happy 
until the longed-for embarkation order arrived. 

207 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

The Workers in the Paris Rooms had the joy, too, 
of hearing the experiences of men just back from the 
front, and many were the grateful expressions of 
gratitude for the protection afforded through an 
understanding of Christian Science. One day a lieu- 
tenant came in asking for information about Christian 
Science. He explained that he had become interested 
while censoring the mail of soldiers who were Scien- 
tists, and said: 

"They were all such cheerful letters. One boy was an espe- 
cially cheerful creature in the letters he wrote. I used to read 
his letters sometimes two or three times. The doctors had 
given him no hope because of his wound and yet he refused 
to believe a thing they said. I thought I should like to know 
what sort of a religion he could possibly have which would 
make him disbelieve a doctor's verdict. The boy is getting 
well and I want to know about Christian Science." 

There were a number of interesting appeals for 
literature from French soldiers. One, upon becoming 
an earnest student of the textbook, voluntarily and 
without effort gave up the use of wine and tobacco, 
in obedience to what he read in Science and Health. 
He also inquired about the church service, and there- 
after conducted his own service, in strict conformity 
to the Manual, in a French army automobile. 

The Paris office was the distributing center for all 
the Christian Science literature which went to the 
Allied Armies in France, with the exception of the 
British army which was supplied by the London 
office. Great quantities were sent direct from Boston 
to the various Depots throughout France but a large 
surplus stock was always kept on hand in Paris to 
forward to small groups of Scientists who were hold- 

208. 



WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE 

ing services and distributing literature. The office also 
endeavored to get in touch with every soldier whose 
name was forwarded to them. These were names sent 
to the Boston office in response to the notice appear- 
ing in the Christian Science Sentinel, asking for 
names and addresses of those men in the Allied 
Armies who were interested in Christian Science. It 
was the experience of the Committee that in many 
instances names were sent in by friends who wished 
that the man in uniform might become interested, or 
who thought he might be, but in every case the name 
was forwarded to the nearest Worker. Some 12,000 
were thus sent to the Paris office from time to time 
and to each soldier a printed form was thereupon 
mailed from Paris indicating the location of the 
Rooms and announcing that he was welcome to call 
upon them for Christian Science literature or help at 
any time. In cases where books or literature had been 
requested by the person who sent in the name, the sol- 
dier was asked to reply verifying his address. This 
latter precaution was found to be absolutely essential 
in view of the constant movements of the troops and 
the shifting of the personnel. 

One of these letters was sent to a soldier who had 
been told by the doctors it would be more than two 
years before he could hope to be better. "I am going," 
he announced to his hospital associates, "to that 
Reading Room and get what they have for me." This 
soldier received his healing at once and within a few 
days was discharged from the hospital and sent out 
on active duty. He later wrote: 

"I could write all night and tell you the joys I have 
received since October 13, but I know that you know how 

209 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

I feel. I hope that others who are in the position that I was 
will turn to Christian Science and derive the benefits that 
I have, — truth and happiness. It is all so wonderful that 
I can hardly realize that I have been cured and I often stop 
and think, 'Have I been healed?' And then I remember that 
man is the spiritual image and likeness of God, and recog- 
nizing this, my true selfhood, I could not be sick." 

The signing of the armistice brought no diminution 
of visitors to the Paris Rooms but rather an increase, 
at least during the first months of demobilization, for 
many lads were then able to secure the much-desired 
permission to visit the famous capital city of France. 
To these the Christian Science War Relief Rooms 
meant much. In the words of one of the visitors : 

"It was like a taste of home, your lovely reading and 
writing room on the Avenue de l'Opera and the sincere 
Wednesday evening meeting in First Church. Moreover, on 
the way back, I had a most helpful conversation with a Y. M. 
C. A. lady who had testified. Many thanks again to your 
Committee and to the whole glorious discovery of Mrs. 
Eddy." 

As the work gradually diminished, three of the prac- 
titioners stationed here during the latter part of the 
war, returned to the United States, leaving the man- 
ager and his wife to care for the Rooms. With the sign- 
ing of peace terms in June and the rapid departure 
of American troops, the work throughout France de- 
creased so quickly that the activities at the Paris 
headquarters became less exacting as week succeeded 
week, and the office was closed on July 31, 1919, and 
the fine suite at 3 Avenue de F Opera which had served 
so admirably for more than a year was sub-let on ad- 
vantageous terms and the work in France concluded. 

210 




Paris Headquarters, 3 Avenue de l'Opera, Paris, France 




In the Reading Room, Paris, France 




A Corner of the Paris Office 



VI 

ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE 
CALL 

The war drew from civil life into the British army 
and navy countless men who had to face undreamt- 
of hardships and dangers for which they were quite 
unprepared. From north, south, east and west there 
came to British shores men ready to sacrifice their all 
for the freedom of the world. In a very short time 
Great Britain was turned into a vast training camp 
filled with men removed from all home influences and 
often dreading the experiences in front of them, and 
there seemed very little to alleviate the situation and 
give any real comfort and support. 

Between the last months of 1914, when it was 
recognized that the war would not be of short dura- 
tion, and the summer of 1915, many Christian Scien- 
tists had asked themselves if something special could 
not be done to make Christian Science available to 
the numbers of newly made soldiers whose needs 
seemed to be so desperate. At the semi-annual meet- 
ing of First Church of Christ, Scientist, a resolution 
was passed which eventually resulted in the formation 
of a committee of delegates from the churches in the 
London district. 

The work in other parts of the country was under- 
taken in the early years of the war by single churches 
or groups of churches forming committees to super- 

211 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

vise the work in their own localities, and every step 
was a demonstration of the value of faith, as there was 
no precedent by which to steer the course, nor any 
experience by which to justify it. 

The first idea was to gain permission to establish 
Christian Science Reading Rooms with the B. E. F. in 
France, but after interminable correspondence with 
War Office officials, this course was abandoned, and 
the London Committee turned its efforts to the mili- 
tary centers in the south of England, where prox- 
imity to a town would permit of premises being taken 
without military sanction. 



COLCHESTER 

After some deliberation Colchester was chosen as 
being suitable for the purpose. It was at that time not 
only a permanent garrison town, but some twenty or 
thirty thousand troops were constantly being drafted 
in and out, and it maintained besides a large convales- 
cent military hospital. The town of 40,000 inhabitants 
is about fifty-five miles from London and while there 
is no organized Christian Science work there, the little 
community of Christian Scientists proved itself a 
most valuable coadjutor in the work. 

At first the Committee only ventured on two small 
rooms in a little house opposite the Public Library, 
taking them on a three months' trial. These rooms 
were made comfortable and attractive, and were 
opened just before Christmas, 1915, the hours being 
from twelve to nine daily, and on Sunda}^ from three 
to nine. All Mrs. Eddy's works, and the books 
marked for the lesson-sermon, were laid out and tables 

212 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

were provided with everything required for writing. 
The writing facilities were the great attraction in the 
early days to many men who enjoyed the peace and 
quiet, instead of the racket of the usual places pro- 
vided for them. As time went on, they began to take 
an interest in the Monitor, the periodicals, and finally 
in the textbook, in a way in which perhaps they might 
never have done except for the opportunity thus given 
to them. 

The result of this first venture so far exceeded 
anticipation that the Committee were encouraged to 
make a second attempt, and on July 26, 1916, similar 
rooms at Bedford were opened, to be followed at 
varying intervals by others at Aldershot, Dover and 
Chatham. 

BEDFORD 

Bedford, which is a residential and educational 
town, and which had, until that time, been considered 
famous for its orderliness, suddenly found itself con- 
verted into a military center. All available houses 
were taken as billets for soldiers, and several large 
camps outside the town had come into existence. In 
the early summer of 1917, the division which had been 
in Bedford since the opening of the Room was moved 
away, and the town became a large training center 
for the Royal Engineers and also for the Flying 
Corps. In addition to these, another division was 
moved in, and there was great activity. 

With the opening of the Room the men streamed in 
in batches of five or six, many of them recruits still 
in civilian clothes. The news went quickly round the 
billets that the Christian Scientists had opened a room 

213 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

where soldiers could read and write their home letters 
in peace, and many men found their way there 
within a few hours of arriving in Bedford. Three boys, 
for instance, came in one day shortly after their ar- 
rival and could hardy credit that such comfort and 
accommodations were intended for private soldiers. 
Next evening they returned bringing seven friends 
with them, and these ten came regularly thereafter, 
except when detained by military duties. An interest- 
ing man who had been for some years Honorary Sec- 
retary of a London branch of the Y. M. C. A. which 
deals with boys under sixteen years of age, also 
became a regular visitor. He was hugely appreciative 
of the Room, its peace, quiet and comfort, the more so 
as he carried on a large correspondence with his old 
boys, many of whom were in the army like himself, 
and wrote to him for counsel and encouragement. 
He said one night to the Worker: 

"We owe an immense debt of gratitude to your Committee, 
and to whoever first thought of providing such a restful place 
for soldiers." 

ALDERSHOT 

As the rooms already established in these places 
were attracting large numbers, the Committee felt it 
was very important that a similar room should be 
opened at Aldershot, the largest permanent military 
center in England. On making inquiries, a suitable 
hall was found to be available, and negotiations were 
at once entered into, with the result that these prem- 
ises were arranged as reading and writing rooms, and 
opened in April, 1917. With the exception of one 
camp, which is practically in Aldershot, the barracks 

214 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

and camps were scattered around the town, and the 
restrictions with regard to the men being on leave in 
the town were very great. This may account in some 
degree for the fact that the largest number of men 
using the Room in a month was 1688, not so high a 
monthly figure as in other places. But excellent work 
was done and good cases of healing were reported 
from these Rooms. 

A man who had used the Room while stationed at 
Aldershot, sent a card from France saying that he 
was grievously wounded and asked for help. The 
doctors said he could not be moved, and that a severe 
operation would have to be performed. Treatment 
was given, and after a few days, he was able to be 
moved to a hospital in England, and in less than a 
month he was dismissed without an operation, and 
wrote, saying: 

"I cannot tell you how wonderful it has all been to me, 
and I should like the doctors who attended me in France to 
see me now." 

Much of this sort of work was done for the men 
from the time the Rooms were first opened, and large 
numbers were kept in touch with, letters and papers 
being sent to them at frequent intervals. They wrote 
with great gratitude and appreciation of the friendly 
interest shown in their welfare. 

DOVER 

In the summer of 1917 the work began at Dover, 
which, owing to its exposed position on the southeast 
coast of England, was subject to constant air raids 
and to bombardments from the sea. The military 

215 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

authorities took entire possession of the town and the 
civil population in great part moved away in order 
that the houses might be available for sailors or sol- 
diers. Dover soon became a veritable fortress, into 
which no one could enter without a passport. The 
Workers in the Rooms there found themselves, to all 
intents and purposes, in a war zone, and constantly 
had the opportunity of helping men who were actu- 
ally engaged in some of the most important and dan- 
gerous operations carried out during the war. 

Among the soldiers stationed at Dover from time 
to time, some were already interested in Christian 
Science and these became regular frequenters of the 
Rooms during their stay. But at the same time, out 
of the 31,582 visits paid to the Dover War Relief 
Rooms between August, 1917, and the end of Novem- 
ber, 1918, it is probable that many men paid only one 
visit, as the troops were constantly changing, and it is 
known that over four million men passed through the 
town. 

CHATHAM 

The work next opened up at Chatham, which is a 
large naval base on the south coast, with barracks for 
the naval forces and also for the Royal Engineers. 
Many soldiers were also quartered there during the 
war, and the streets of the town were so crowded that 
it seemed a very suitable place in which to start the 
work. A large hall was offered to the Committee and 
proved to be very satisfactory. 

Many soldiers who had made use of the Dover 
Rooms were transferred to Chatham and in this way 

216 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

the work begun at one Reading Room was carried on 
in another. The Rooms at Chatham were opened in 
March, 1918, and the highest monthly attendance was 
2686, reached in January, 1919, since which time de- 
mobilization caused a reduction. 
An extract from a report states: 

"Sailors have come into the Rooms through having seen 
the literature on their ships, one from having been intro- 
duced to it through Scientists at Durban, South Africa. 
Soldiers have seen it in camps or have been attracted by the 
notice boards. One man came across it in the trenches, where 
a companion received the Monitor regularly and passed it 
round for all to read." 

There were good cases of healing recorded in Chat- 
ham, but it is noticeable that many men quickly learnt 
to do their own work, when once they started reading 
the books. 

Among many interesting points which came up in 
the course of the unfoldment of the work, was the 
increasingly rapid recognition of each Room as these 
were opened in different centers. At Colchester twelve 
days elapsed before any soldier ventured to step 
across the threshold, but at each subsequent opening 
the time was less and less until at Dover, a man came 
in to use the Room before the lettering was finished 
on the window. 

Rooms of a similar nature were opened by the 
Yorkshire churches at Ripon, in February, 1916, at 
Newcastle early in 1917 by First Church of Christ, 
Scientist, in that town, at Dublin in September, 1917, 
and Bexhill and Edinburgh in 1918. 



217 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 



RIPON 

The needs of the soldier in Yorkshire were first 
recognized by two of the churches in that county, 
and in January, 1916, a small room in a central posi- 
tion, well lighted and warmed and provided with 
writing tables, was opened in Ripon, where it was 
roughly estimated that never less than 20,000 men 
were stationed. Very soon good proofs were forth- 
coming of the practical value of the work to those it 
was intended to bless. Through this Room, many men 
were led to the study of Christian Science, and some 
interesting cases of healing took place. In many in- 
stances fear of going to the front was eliminated. One 
man writes: 

"I am greatly thankful for what knowledge I have got of 
the truth, and although I miss the Reading Room, I don't 
miss God. I feel I have got a good hold, and I am sure noth- 
ing will shake me off. I feel as happy as possible with this 
lesson, knowing that God is with me wherever I go." 

The attendance grew so rapidly that it was soon 
felt that there was a call for a much larger thought 
and a grander and wider view of the infinite possi- 
bilities of the work, and all the churches and societies 
in the county were invited to cooperate. A whole 
house was taken, providing more adequate accommo- 
dation, and many were the expressions of gratitude 
for the quiet, order and restful atmosphere prevalent. 
The military police were particularly struck with the 
order and refinement of the Rooms, one of them re- 
marking, "You do get the best men here." 

The attitude of the soldiers in using the Rooms was 

218 




War Relief Rooms, Colchester, England 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

invariably one of gratitude and courtesy, manifested 
in such practical ways as taking the mud off their 
boots at the door, and in their extreme care of the 
chairs and tables provided. Many of the men sent 
home some of the literature to their wives and rela- 
tives, and in this way interest in Christian Science has 
spread, accompanied in many cases with quick healing 
results. One soldier who attended the Rooms sent a 
beautiful testimony expressing his gratitude for many 
benefits received through Christian Science — his wife 
was healed of an internal trouble of seven years' 
standing, and also of baldness — he, himself, of chronic 
rheumatism, and he finished his testimony by saying: 

"In domestic affairs, in the care of our children, and in 
our relations with that larger family of God's children, in 
fact, wherever there is discord, the learning of, and humble 
obedience to, the teachings of Christian Science promise us 
great blessings." 

Another man so treasured a Journal which he had 
been given that he wrote to say he carried it about 
next his shirt, because he had no pocket large enough 
to put it in. 

Approximately 10,450 men visited the Rooms at 
Ripon in six months and genuine appreciation and 
gratitude for the great benefits received were daily 
expressed. 

On October 17, 1918, the first Sunday service was 
held in one of the largest rooms of the Ripon house 
at 3 o'clock. An officer and a private acted as First 
and Second Readers, and there were eight or ten sol- 
diers present besides a few civilians. The numbers at- 
tending steadily increased, the last two Sundays, the 

219 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Room being nearly full. A young officer, in express- 
ing appreciation of these Rooms, said: 

"How the work done here will fill your churches. Men get 
a firm grip on Christian Science in these Rooms, and it is 
bound to bear fruit wherever they go." 

NEWCASTLE 

In Newcastle large numbers of soldiers were sta- 
tioned for the purpose of coast defence, and early in 
1917, the members of First Church of Christ, Scien- 
tist, realized that a quiet room for reading and writing 
was greatly needed to serve the men billeted in the 
town. The church board room was set aside for this 
purpose, and was soon overflowing with men grateful 
to find such a haven of rest. During the earlier hours 
of the day, the Room was full of convalescent soldiers, 
who greatly appreciated the Monitor and carried it 
back with them to their hospitals. The Room was open 
for rather more than two years, during which period 
more than 21,000 British soldiers made use of it. 

DUBLIN 

Later in the same year First Church of Christ, 
Scientist, Dublin, Ireland, took steps to open a War 
Relief Room for the large number of soldiers and 
sailors stationed in or passing through the town. The 
work was successful from the beginning, but when it 
was placed under The Mother Church scheme in 1918, 
there was a marked increase in the attendance, and 
it was found necessary to open larger premises to 
accommodate the men. The Rooms undoubtedly filled 
a great need, as was evidenced by the universal ex- 

220 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

pressions of appreciation which came from the sol- 
diers, for the comfort and rest found there, for 
the ample supply of writing materials, for the oppor- 
tunity of reading the Christian Science publications 
and for the friendly welcome extended to all comers. 
Many liked to talk and unburden their troubles, or to 
ask questions regarding the teachings of Christian 
Science. An American soldier, now returned to the 
States, wrote to a member of the War Relief Com- 
mittee : 

"My worries all vanished into nothingness through the 
much-needed Christian Science treatments which you gave 
me and the kindness you showed me while in your city, for 
which I thank you more than I can express with a pen, and 
which I will never forget. If it had not been for Christian 
Science I do not know what I would have done, but it has 
met my every need." 

A number of aviators regularly made use of the 
Rooms as well as members of the Queen Mary Army 
Auxiliary Corps, of the Women's Royal Naval Corps, 
and of the Women's Legion. Several boys used the 
Rooms for quiet study in preparation for examina- 
tions and said that they could learn more there in ten 
days than anywhere else in a month. As the time given 
was quite inadequate for the amount of work to be 
done, the Rooms were a huge help to such boys. 

BEXHILL-ON-SEA 

The War Relief Room opened at Bexhill-on-Sea 
on the coast of Sussex accomplished valuable work 
especially for the Canadians, who were stationed in 
large camps or billeted in the town. Healing took 

221 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

place from the beginning of the work, and quite a 
number of men became interested in Christian Science. 
They were especially glad to find a friend in the 
Rooms to whom they could talk of their dear ones at 
home. On one occasion a man asked the Worker if 
she could help his child in Canada, who had consump- 
tion. Treatment was begun and some weeks after, the 
soldier brought in a letter from his wife, saying that 
the child had been passed by the same doctor as per- 
fectly well. 

EDINBURGH 

In July, 1918, First Church of Christ, Scientist* 
Edinburgh, Scotland, opened a War Relief Room to 
serve the needs both of the military forces stationed 
in the town and of the fleet operating from Rosyth 
naval base in the Firth of Forth. Large numbers of 
men from the British Colonies came to spend their 
leave in this old historic town and some found their 
way to the Rooms. Many interesting experiences are 
on record of conversations with men from different 
parts of the world, with whom the Workers had the 
opportunity of breaking the bread of Life. 

LONDON 

The unflagging interest and support given to these 
early efforts by the contributing churches was note- 
worthy. The cost of each Room reached a sum of some 
£500 per annum, but the members of the different 
churches were always ready to encourage any increase 
of the work in every possible way. With the incoming 
of the men of the American army and navy the Lon- 

222 




Christmas at Langres, France 




Le Mans, France 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

don churches were desirous of doing something to 
welcome especially the Christian Science soldiers and 
sailors. The delegates of the churches in the London 
district met in conference and the first proposal was 
to open a welcome bureau where men and officers 
could get any information they might require, and 
where they would be introduced to Scientists who 
would show them hospitality. As the idea developed, 
it was decided to open a hostel where sleeping accom- 
modations should be provided. Accordingly a large 
and beautifully furnished house, close to the head- 
quarters of the American army and navy, was rented 
and opened on August 1, 1918. The dining room was 
used as a quiet reading room, with all Mrs. Eddy's 
books and the current literature displayed. The two 
large drawing rooms, the windows of which looked 
out onto the Eaton Square Gardens, were arranged 
as a social room with writing tables and comfortable 
chairs. 

A great number of men, some resident in London, 
and some coming from the camps, foreign service and 
ships, where quiet in which to study was almost im- 
possible to obtain, expressed great gratitude for the 
opportunity afforded them by the Welfare House. 
Many who were not Christian Scientists stayed there 
and received their first introduction to Christian 
Science, and some became earnest students. 

An American who knew very little of Christian 
Science was most impressed with the kindness and hos- 
pitality he received, and said: "We had the impression 
that the English were a cold, reserved, inhospitable 
race, but your welcome to us has been warm and gen- 
erous beyond words. You folks in this place have done 

223 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

more towards removing international prejudices than 
you can ever dream of." On many occasions men from 
America, Canada, Scotland, England, Australia and 
South Africa were seen conversing together, in prac- 
tical demonstration of the drawing together of all the 
great English-speaking peoples in one great unity of 
purpose. 

THE MOTHER CHURCH SCHEME 

In July, 1918, a War Relief Committee for Great 
Britain and Ireland was appointed by the Christian 
Science Board of Directors to supervise all the exist- 
ing War Relief activities in the United Kingdom and 
to extend the work to localities where a need was 
manifest. For this purpose a branch of The Mother 
Church War Relief and Camp Welfare Fund was 
opened and administered in this country by the newly 
appointed Committee. Prior to this date the expenses 
in connection with the ten Rooms opened for the use 
of the men in the service had been met entirely by the 
Christian Scientists locally. After the announcement 
of the scheme for the whole country the Committees 
which had already initiated and carried on the work 
gave their loyal support to the general plan and in a 
short time the work was adjusted and was progressing 
most satisfactorily. The decision to include the Read- 
ing and Writing Rooms for soldiers and sailors al- 
ready existing in Great Britain, as part of The 
Mother Church scheme was fraught with great bless- 
ing, for the work leapt forward in a most wonderful 
way. War Relief Committees were quickly formed up 
and down the country, and within eight months, 

224 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

twelve additional War Relief Rooms had been opened, 
which, with the Welfare House in London, brought 
the number up to twenty-three, with a total staff of 
forty-nine workers. 

The ideal held clearly all through the work was 
found in a measure in the meaning of the word relief 
itself, which is defined variously as succor, support, 
deliverance, refreshment, consolation, comfort. The 
War Relief scheme of The Mother Church was recog- 
nized as bringing the message of the Comforter right 
down into the urgent problems of the hour. This ideal 
so inspired the work that all over the country men 
have looked on the War Relief Rooms as their home, 
and have turned there for help and encouragement. 
The endeavor was to place in charge workers who 
were practical Christian Scientists, who would be 
ready to take any opportunity that might present it- 
self of serving the men, or the women in the auxiliary 
service, and equipping them to meet the experiences 
which lay before them. Every imaginable problem, 
mental, moral, physical, financial, has been laid before 
these workers and with remarkable success in the heal- 
ing of the different conditions. 

A special effort was made in the later development 
of the scheme to provide for the needs of the Ameri- 
cans, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders and 
South Africans stationed in this country, and for this 
purpose War Relief Rooms were opened at several 
places used as American naval bases, or as Canadian 
or other camps. Many of these men who came thou- 
sands of miles overseas to fight for their highest ideal 
of good, have, through the War Relief Rooms, found 
the source of all such ideals. 

225 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

After the signing of the armistice in November, 
1918, a review of the conditions in Great Britain and 
Ireland revealed the fact that there still remained 
work of great importance to be done on behalf of the 
men in the navy and army, and that new opportu- 
nities were opening before the Workers for pre- 
senting the availability and steadfastness of Principle 
in this time of transition. In the ensuing six months 
several Rooms were opened and although only in 
operation for a short period of time, they accomplished 
excellent results. 

INVERNESS 

The first urgent demand for a War Relief Room 
came to the new Committee from the Highlands of 
Scotland, where a large American naval base was sit- 
uated quite near the town of Inverness. In the vicinity 
there were also detachments of the Royal Defence 
Corps, Royal Army Service Corps, agricultural com- 
panies and a Canadian Forestry Headquarters. Most 
suitable premises were found just opposite the Ameri- 
can Y. M. C. A. in the center of the town. The first 
Christian Science service held there was conducted by 
the Christian Science chaplain attached to the United 
States Navy, and was attended by American naval 
men of various ratings. Since that day in September, 
1918, services were held regularly and conducted by 
the men themselves until the Room closed in April, 
1919. 

As there was no local Christian Science organiza- 
tion, a Worker from the north of England was ap- 
pointed, and he and his wife set off as pioneers, in a 
true missionary spirit. They were equipped with spe- 

226 




War Relief Room, Belfast, Ireland 




Reading and Writing Room at Bedford, England 




The Rooms at Aldershot, England 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

cial military passes, since the north of Scotland was 
a prohibited area under the Defense of the Realm 
Act. 

The boys of the United States Navy, operating with 
the Mine fleet, quickly found their way to the Room, 
seeking comfort and relief from the hard and stressful 
work in the North Sea, when the great mine barrage 
was being laid. At times the War Relief Room was 
crowded with boys who found in its quiet atmosphere 
the needed mental rest and peace. Some had a good 
understanding of the teachings of Christian Science 
and could apply it, but many more had little or noth- 
ing to turn to in an hour of need. These boys found 
in the Rooms a "home from home," and again and 
again were encouraged to return to their duties with 
a new strength born of an understanding of the omnip- 
otence and everpresence of God. 

During the influenza epidemic the Y. M. C. A. 
premises and the cinemas were closed, and the War 
Relief Room was crowded by the men. An American 
sailor, looking very ill, came into the Room one after- 
noon. He asked for treatment for influenza, which 
was immediately given to him, as he said he was feel- 
ing "all in." The Worker was then called to attend to 
the wants of other men and left the boy sitting there. 
In less than an hour he left, saying, "I am quite well 
now, and am going straight back to my duties." 

PLYMOUTH 

Shortly after the decision to open the work at 
Inverness, the needs of a town of naval importance 
in the south of England were brought up and plans 
were soon in hand to start the work in Plymouth. An 

227 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

American naval base had been established there in 
June, from which a force of sixty-six submarine 
chasers operated under the general direction of the 
British naval Commander-in-Chief at that port. 
There were also a number of permanent camps round 
the town, as well as the dockyards, forts and naval and 
military hospitals spread over a wide area. War Relief 
Rooms were accordingly opened on the direct road 
between Plymouth and Devonport, along which hun- 
dreds of British and American bluejackets passed 
daily. Situated as they were in the very center of a 
neighborhood which offered numerous doubtful 
amusements to the sailor on shore, these Rooms had 
the opportunity and privilege of saving many mere 
boys from temptations of various kinds. In this con- 
nection a sailor writes : 

"Oh, what a Godsend the Christian Science War Relief 
Rooms have been to me. Those most perfect evenings spent 
there while in the service have been of endless help and com- 
fort. I recollect well how I fought with myself one evening 
between going to a Variety show and the War Relief Room, 
and the la t tter won. It was a long fight but the reward has 
been great. Since my first visit to the Room the Variety has 
had no attraction whatever for me." 

A marine said to the Worker : 

"I cannot tell you how grateful I am for these Rooms. 
They have saved me from so much I could only regret. Not 
that I am naturally vicious, but I had nowhere I cared to go, 
and in the streets temptation was flung at me from every 
corner." 

The advent of such a quiet and uplifting rendezvous 
quickly became known at the large dockyards, and 
the members of the various forces soon began to show 

228 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

their appreciation of this new provision for their 
spiritual as well as their physical welfare. Many- 
proofs were soon forthcoming of the practical value 
of the work in healing sickness. On one occasion a non- 
commissioned officer received an instantaneous heal- 
ing of influenza and was able to go on the range in 
charge of a firing party with no bad results. Other 
cases of influenza, violent toothache, hemorrhage, 
colds, etc., were healed by treatment or through the 
spoken word. The Worker writes : 

"From the first day, we placed the work of the War Relief 
Room in the care and under the guidance of divine Love, and 
ever since it has been a guiding star to a large number of 
men and women, who have either directly or indirectly, 
through the war, been taken away from home influences. 
Many of those who have taken advantage of this latest gift 
to humanity knew little if anything about Christian Science 
or its Founder, Mrs. Eddy, and without exception, all have 
been grateful to hear about a religion which offered such a 
practical proof of its right to their earnest consideration. 
One of the chief American Y. M. C. A. workers here stated 
a few days ago that he had seen and heard enough about the 
Christian Science War Relief Rooms in Union Street to prove 
that they were indeed a blessing. With the cessation of hos- 
tilities the work has undergone a. certain change but continues 
its healing activity just the same, for to use the words of a 
clergyman who called in to inquire about our work, 'The 
moral effect of such a Christlike effort is bound to be great.' " 



BRIGHTON 

In October the War Relief Committee for the 
county of Sussex reported the urgent need of a room 
in Brighton for the use of men from the large camps 

229 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

round the town, amongst whom some splendid dis- 
tribution had been done. The Christian Scientists were 
in this way already in touch with numbers of Canadian 
and British soldiers who, it was believed, would 
quickly find and value a War Relief Room. In and 
around the town itself there were a large number of 
hospitals full of Canadian and American wounded 
men, and the streets were thronged with convalescents 
in blue hospital uniforms. 

Very attractive Rooms were opened in November, 
and on the first day several wounded men from the 
hospitals found their way in. Soldiers from the sur- 
rounding camps soon followed and the Rooms became 
a center especially for the Canadians and Americans. 
One day a Canadian soldier wounded on Paaschendale 
Ridge came in, saying that he was a Christian Scien- 
tist from New York City. His joy at finding the War 
Relief Rooms was touching. The following account 
is given by the Worker : 

"In the heart of Brighton, a town well known for its 
temptations these Rooms are quietly and unostentatiously 
sending out their loving invitation to those who will hear. 
Limbless men from the Pavilion Hospital are coming more 
and more, also many Red Cross men. The news seems to be 
spreading like wildfire amongst the hospitals just lately and 
we feel very delighted that this is so. A Los Angeles man, at 
present in one of the hospitals, comes regularly to fetch the 
latest Monitor. He is so grateful and declares that the Moni- 
tor is the best paper in the world, and that he always finds 
news of home. It is a great joy to realize what these War 
Relief Rooms have done in extending help to many who are 
lonely and in need of kindness." 

The Workers were in close touch with the hos- 
pitals from the beginning, and were called on 

230 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

several occasions to cases of men wishing Christian 
Science treatment, particularly in the American hos- 
pitals. At one of these the matron asked for four 
copies of Science and Health to lend to the men under 
her charge as she had had several requests for Chris- 
tian Science literature. 



LIVERPOOL 

In October, 1918, a War Relief Worker was ap- 
pointed for Liverpool, and the first week was spent 
in visiting daily the large American camp at Knotty 
Ash, which accommodated 60,000 men, and learning 
the situation of the various quarters, the military regu- 
lations, and the names of the officers in charge. In this 
way information was obtained which afterwards 
proved most valuable, as to the correct authorities to 
apply to in order to expedite operations. In accord- 
ance with instructions received from the Commanding 
Officer, the first distribution of Monitors and Senti- 
nels at this camp, was carried out with the cooperation 
of the Y. M. C. A. Every kindness was received from 
the officials here and had the armistice not intervened, 
Christian Science services would have been held in the 
Y. M. C. A. tent within the camp. But the armistice 
was the signal for the immediate reduction of the 
camp, in order that the men should be sent home as 
quickly as possible. Permission had already been ob- 
tained from the Commanding Officer of Debarkation 
for the distribution of the literature at the different 
stations and boats to the men coming into Liverpool, 
and signed permits to enter docks, embarkation stage, 
and stations were given to each distributor. Therefore, 

231 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

when the return home of the troops commenced there 
was no delay. A neat little American Red Cross hut, 
which was not in use, was kindly lent by the Cunard 
Steamship Company, in which to store our papers, 
and permission was given to have our name displayed 
on the building. 

Amongst the thousands of men who passed through 
Liverpool weekly, the Monitor was well known and 
appreciated and the remark was often heard, "It is a 
good paper, take one." On this recommendation the 
Monitor was taken by those who until then had not 
known of it. At each distribution, from four hundred 
to seven hundred Monitors were taken on board the 
ships by the men themselves. This personal method of 
distribution provided an opportunity for those in need 
of help to come forward and ask for treatment before 
going aboard, and letters of gratitude have been re- 
ceived from those benefited in this way. On one occa- 
sion a young sergeant was about to embark, but on 
seeing the Monitor held up, he asked if it were pos- 
sible for him to obtain a textbook, as he had left his 
own with a man who seemed to need it more than he 
did. The vest-pocket Science and Health was at once 
given him, and was received with joy, and he said, 
"I knew divine Love would meet my need." Several 
officers have come up and asked for the literature and 
sometimes have told of the help and comfort they have 
received through Christian Science. The Sentinel was 
also asked for, and many men patted their vest 
pockets as they marched by, to show where "the little 
book" was treasured. From November, 1918, until 
April, 1919, 29,366 Monitors and 1521 Sentinels and 
pamphlets were distributed at Liverpool amongst 

232 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

troops consisting of Americans, Canadians, Austra- 
lians, New Zealanders, Maoris and home-coming 
Britishers from the East. 

On one occasion a body of 11,000 men, mostly 
from Boston and its districts, passed through on their 
way to embark for the East, and when they saw the 
Monitors, the distributors were nearly mobbed. The 
officer in charge came up and smilingly offered an 
apology for his men. He said they were nearly all 
from Boston, and knew and appreciated The Chris- 
tian Science Monitor and thanked us for giving it to 
the men. Whilst they were lined up, the officer helped 
to distribute the literature and the Workers were glad 
to be able fully to supply the demand. The friendly 
feeling between the men and their officers was very 
noticeable as expressing harmony and confidence. 
When they marched towards the ship, Christian 
Science came in for an enthusiastic three cheers. 

The first call for hospital treatment in Liverpool 
came at the outset of the work there, and since then 
several cases received Christian Science treatment. 
One of these was a soldier from California who 
was given up by the doctors on account of his exces- 
sive weakness. When the Worker reached his bedside, 
he seemed past speaking, but treatment was given 
immediately and two days afterwards he was taken 
to another hospital, his pulse and heart having re- 
gained sufficient strength for the doctors to operate. 
This man never looked back but gained health and 
strength rapidly and was soon discharged, finally re- 
turning home full of gratitude. Another man was 
distraught with pain for which the doctors could give 
him no relief, and he was considered to be beyond hope 

233 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

of recovery. He asked a Y. M. C. A. worker to find 
a Christian Science practitioner, as he wanted to try 
Christian Science as a last resort. The War Relief 
Worker at once visited him and gave him the help he 
needed, with the result that he was relieved of pain 
for the first time since he had been wounded. He has 
gone on steadily and is now buoyant with hope and 
cheery with gratitude, gaining strength daily. 

BELFAST 

The War Relief Committee for county Antrim in 
Ireland, reported in the autumn of 1918 that a large 
number of troops were stationed in and around the 
town of Belfast, and that there were no less than 
fifteen camps within easy reach of the town, filled with 
English and Scottish troops, all the Irish troops hav- 
ing been withdrawn on account of the Sinn Fein dis- 
turbances. The ground had been well prepared for the 
establishment of a War Relief Room by the very 
thorough distribution of literature on the docks among 
the war and merchant ships, and throughout the 
camps. Passes were obtained giving entrance to every 
part of the docks on both sides of the river, even to 
the sections where men were working at high pres- 
sure, building war ships and repairing and camouflag- 
ing boats. The need for a War Relief Room became 
still more evident with the appearance of the Ameri- 
can men-of-war in Belfast harbor. Whenever the 
broad-brimmed cap of the American sailor was seen 
in the streets of Belfast, the Workers set off to the 
docks to find the ship and supply it with Christian 
Science literature. Many of the military hospitals in 

234 




War Relief Rooms at Portsmouth, England 




Distributing Monitors to troops at Liverpool, England 




Ready for the service at Ripon, England 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

the town were filled with American convalescent 
troops. Belfast also attracted many Colonials who 
spent their leave there. After the War Relief Rooms 
were opened soldiers and sailors alike soon found their 
way in and it quickly became a much appreciated 
meeting place. 

Many of the visitors had not even heard of Chris- 
tian Science though they had traveled all through the 
war area, so that it was comforting to know that in 
opening these Rooms, even at the eleventh hour, Bel- 
fast had its part in introducing Christian Science to 
numerous soldiers. All the men went away happy and 
cheerful, saying they felt quite at home. One Irish 
soldier who was a frequent visitor, said he had no 
friends since his return, as they had all become Sinn 
Feiners and he felt very isolated because they would 
have nothing to do with anyone who had worn the 
King's uniform. He expressed his gratitude for the 
use of the Rooms and the friendliness of the other 
soldiers. 

GLASGOW 

In November the War Relief Committee for the 
county of Lanarkshire in Scotland opened a Room 
in a street adjoining a crowded thoroughfare in Glas- 
gow, and good work was done there, especially for 
demobilized men. Several cases are on record of 
assistance being given to men in the problem of find- 
ing work, with very satisfactory results. 

On one occasion a man came into the Room in great 
distress of mind on account of the unhappy circum- 
stances he had found in his home when he returned on 
leave. During his absence his wife had got into unde- 

235 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

sirable company and had practically broken up the 
home. He had brought her into town with their chil- 
dren and taken a little house for them, feeling that it 
would be easier for her to make a fresh start in dif- 
ferent surroundings, but he was full of fear on her 
account. The Worker talked with him and helped 
him and gave him some literature, promising to go to 
see his wife. She visited the home next day, talked to 
the woman and gave her a pamphlet to read. Work 
was speedily found for her and she is now going 
on quietly building up her little home again. The 
Monitor and the Sentinel are sent regularly to the 
man, and in a recent letter he expressed his deep grati- 
tude for the papers and for the help his family had 
received. 

The Rooms were also used by men from Australia, 
New Zealand, Canada and the United States, many 
of whom were either students of Christian Science or 
had relatives who were. Some of these men had 
found themselves forced to look into the subject for 
themselves by the difficulties they encountered in their 
army experience. 

BUXTON 

The work opened up next at Buxton, which, before 
the war, was a fashionable watering-place with nu- 
merous hotels and hydropathics situated among the 
hills of Derbyshire. During the war the nature of the 
place completely changed, invalids and pleasure- 
seekers being replaced by many hundreds of men in 
khaki and hospital blues. Buxton became one of the 
discharge depots for the Canadian forces, and in par- 
ticular for married men who, with their wives, awaited 

236 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

transport home, for periods varying from two weeks 
to several months. The hotels were converted into 
hospitals and convalescent homes for the wounded, 
large numbers of whom were to be seen strolling the 
streets with very little to occupy them. In January, 
1919, the Rooms were opened by the War Relief 
Committee, and the Canadian flag was hung outside 
as a sign of welcome. The men began to come in at 
once, and within a fortnight the Rooms were occupied 
to their full capacity, and the Committee were obliged 
to consider the provision of further accommodation. 

Although the Rooms were advertised as open 
between twelve and nine p.m., before nine in the morn- 
ing the men were at the door begging for admission. 
It is estimated that within two months of the opening 
of the Rooms, over a thousand men had made use of 
them. 

The Worker writes : 

"There seem to be a great many new men in Buxton, and 
they find their way down here the first night. This week the 
attendance has been over three hundred. There are a number 
of men studying in the quiet room, and several have had talks 
with me, and say they want to begin at the rock bottom of 
Christian Science, so of course they have been referred to the 
textbook. The work gets more and more interesting and the 
men seem to be growing more and more receptive. They come 
in like hungry children waiting to be fed, and the way they 
come and ask to be helped is simply wonderful." 

Men who have heard of Christian Science for the 
first time in Buxton, have returned to Canada with 
the determination to find a Christian Science Church 
and learn more of Truth. Many asked for copies of 
the textbook to study on the voyage home, for they 

287 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

have found that there is after all a "balm in Gilead" 
which can be applied to every problem. 

SEAFORD 

In January, 1919, a War Relief Room was opened 
in Seaford in Sussex to extend the work already 
begun by the local Scientists on behalf of the Cana- 
dians stationed in the adjoining camps. These camps 
contained about 30,000 men and much excellent litera- 
ture distribution had been carried on for some time. 
In this way the existence of the Rooms was brought 
immediately to the attention of the men, with the 
result that many times there were not enough chairs 
for all the men who flocked in. Within a few minutes 
of the actual opening of the Rooms a case was 
brought to the Worker for treatment. Since then 
much good healing has taken place. One man who 
had studied Christian Science long enough to be 
convinced of its truth, asked for help for a cold he 
had had two months, and was instantaneously healed. 
He then asked for treatment for his knee, which had 
been strained four months previously, and this trouble 
also yielded quickly. A shell-shock patient bordering 
on melancholia, and manifesting unhealthy conditions, 
came to the Rooms for healing, after reading Science 
and Health, lent him by a Christian Scientist in the 
same hut. He was in Seaford for five days and took 
away a copy of the textbook, intending to study it 
faithfully during his leave. Pie has since written to tell 
of his healing and says he feels perfectly well and is 
happy and contented. The Room has been a home to 
many Canadians who have greatly appreciated the 
loving sympathy shown them at all times. 

238 




War Relief Rooms, Seaford, England 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

PORTSMOUTH 

The needs of Portsmouth were next urgently 
brought forward as being those of a large naval base, 
which was at the same time the headquarters of two 
great branches of the marines and of a branch of 
Garrison Artillery. The town was also one of the 
American military hospital bases. Accordingly in the 
spring of 1919, a War Relief Room was opened and 
promptly made use of by men in all branches of the 
service. A large percentage of these men came in to 
write their letters, but remained to read. Many of 
them made friends with the Worker in charge and 
brought him their problems for solution. 

A gunner came in one day and said he wanted to 
know about Christian Science, and would like the text- 
book. It appeared that before going to France, he had 
been stationed in a fort where one of the garrison was 
a Christian Scientist. He became friendly with this 
man and was very much struck by his earnestness, for, 
though often subjected to chaff and ridicule, he would 
stand up and say that Christian Science was the thing 
he valued more than anything else in his life. The 
example of this man had such an effect on the gunner 
that when he saw the notice of the War Relief Rooms 
put up in the barracks, he determined to go and learn 
something of Christian Science. He inquired imme- 
diately for the textbook, saying he was going on night 
duty and very much wanted to read it. Through the 
study of Science and Health he was healed of the 
smoking habit and of severe pain in his hand and arm 
caused by a gunshot. 

A sailor came into the Portsmouth Rooms one day 

239 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

and told the Worker that during the war, Monitors 
were sent regularly to his ship. He used to look 
through them casually, but one day was attracted by 
the Home Forum page and read an article called 
"Heaven." This so took hold of him that he borrowed 
Science and Health from the ship's library and com- 
menced to study. He said that there were about 
twenty Scientists on his ship, consisting of all ranks 
from the commander to the pantry boy. This man 
had learned of the War Relief Room from one of the 
notices in the mess. He longed to possess a copy of 
Science and Health and study the lesson-sermons, 
for he had been unable to read regularly since leaving 
his ship. A vest-pocket edition was accordingly given 
him, together with the Bible and Quarterly, and he 
left the Room delighted at the prospect of being able 
to read and study once more. 



READING 

The necessity of starting a War Relief Room in 
Reading, Berkshire, lay in the fact that several thou- 
sands of soldiers were billeted or stationed in that 
town and that a large number of hospitals for 
wounded men were in active operation. While there 
were one or two Y. M. C. A.'s and Church Army 
Rooms, there was a great desire amongst the men for 
a quiet place in which to read and write. From the 
moment the decision was made to establish such a 
room, all the arrangements developed most harmo- 
niously and rapidly. On the day of opening, the Room 
was used at once in the luncheon hour by men from 
an adjoining military office. One young soldier who 

240 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

had found little to mitigate the rigors of military life, 
wrote shortly after the opening: 

"Fortunately a Christian Science War Relief Room has 
been opened here quite recently, just outside the Army Serv- 
ice Corps offices, as luck would have it, and I go over there 
of an evening and my friends come with me, including M. 
and several others who love to sit by the warm fires. . . . 
Certainly the fires and cozy carpeted floors of these Christian 
Science Rooms, to say nothing of the loving help of the 
ladies in charge, have been a Godsend to me and poured oil 
on the troubled waters. These places are all over the shop 
now." 

The county Committee for Berkshire says in one 
of its reports : 

"There have been many expressions of gratitude for these 
Rooms, for the quiet and comfort found there. Many men 
come regularly and new ones are constantly finding their way 
here. A man came in to write a letter one evening, and 
thanked the Worker before he left, saying he had not spent 
such a comfortable evening in Reading before, and added, 
'We could not do without these places.' An army chaplain 
came in to write some letters and said it was very kind of us 
to have such nice places for the men, and he hoped they were 
appreciated. It is interesting to see the help the men get, and 
how they gradually begin to get freer. One evening a man, 
suffering great pain, came in and had a talk with the Worker. 
A passage from Science and Health was given to him to study 
and the next day he came to say he had been healed. Another 
man who could hardly keep his foot still on account of pain 
caused by a sword wound, came to the Room. The next time 
he appeared he said he had had no pain since the day he 
visited the War Relief Room." 



241 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

Distribution of Christian Science literature had 
been steadily carried on during the war amongst the 
soldiers stationed at Tunbridge Wells in the county 
of Kent, and in the spring of 1919, efforts were made 
to obtain premises for a War Relief Room. The same 
conditions obtained here as in the other towns, 
namely, that all available places were under the con- 
trol of the military authorities who would not release 
them, but at last suitable rooms were secured and 
opened late in March. 

The first case of healing in the Rooms was that of 
a man who had been badly hurt by a kick in his side at 
football. He asked for Christian Science treatment, 
and came back to the Rooms two hours later to say 
that all was well, and there was no occasion for any 
more work to be done for him. 

A soldier who had been in similar rooms at New- 
castle and Ripon, came in and after writing a letter, 
stated that he anticipated spending most of his after- 
noons there reading Science and Health. He ex- 
pressed much gratitude for the good he had received 
in the War Relief Rooms, and said how very much 
he had been helped to overcome bad habits. 

A corporal came in one day and gave an excellent 
account of the support Science had been to him in 
France. He told how he had been able to hearten 
men who were to go "over the top" and how many a 
time — in the tightest places — he and all his men had 
come back safe, which he attributes entirely to his 
knowledge of Christian Science and that of the nu- 
merous Scientists among his men. He had been origi- 

242 




In the Room at Inverness, Scotland 




Reading and Writing Room, Dublin, Ireland 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

nally in the navy and was an engineer on board the 
Crecy when she was torpedoed, and all through that 
trying experience he had felt entire confidence in the 
power that saved him. 

With the opening of the Rooms the increase of 
interest in Christian Science amongst the civilian 
population at Tunbridge Wells was very marked 
and the whole day long, men, women and children 
were to be seen reading the literature which was at- 
tractively displayed in the window. Many came in to 
ask questions and were sent to the Christian Science 
Reading Rooms of the local society. The local Scien- 
tists themselves feel great gratitude on this account, 
and know that, although the War Relief Rooms were 
open only for a short time, they fulfilled their 
mission. 



BLANDFORD 

At Blandford in the county of Dorset, a new camp 
to accommodate about 18,000 men was opened early 
in the war and eventually taken over by the Royal 
Air Force. The camp, which extended over a wide 
area and was very isolated, included also a large num- 
ber of the members of the Women's Army Auxiliary 
Corps and of the Women's Royal Air Force. The 
good work of a small group of local Christian Scien- 
tists culminated in the appointment of the first and 
only Christian Science Welfare Worker officially 
permitted to live and work inside a military camp in 
Great Britain. The advent of the Worker was warmly 
welcomed by the General in command, who placed a 
large vacant hut on one of the main roads inside the 

243 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

camp at the disposal of the Committee for Great 
Britain and Ireland, and offered every facility in the 
way of labor and materials towards converting the hut 
into a suitable Reading Room. 

With the exception of not having a commission, the 
status of the War Relief Worker was in every respect 
that of a chaplain. He was given an open camp pass, 
a free permit to ride on any War Department 
vehicle and was an honorary member of the officers' 
mess. At mess there was often a good deal of banter 
about Christian Science, but this was always readily 
answered and very often led to earnest inquiry and in 
some cases to a request for metaphysical help and a 
grateful acknowledgment of instantaneous healing. 
On one occasion the Worker was sent for to help at 
an officers' sing-song where much drinking was going 
on. His influence and knowledge of music so improved 
the situation that the drinking ceased. 

Everyone in the camp, Padres and officers included, 
cooperated with the Worker and showed many signs 
of their appreciation of the Room. A portion of the 
hut was partitioned off at the special request of their 
commanding officer for the use of recruits under 
eighteen years in training for the Royal Air Force. 
These boys, who were arriving in weekly drafts of 
from two to three hundred, were quite undisciplined 
and many of them drawn from the slums. This officer 
started a system of certificates for good conduct to 
be issued on the recommendation of the non-commis- 
sioned officer and signed by the officer in charge, en- 
titling the bearer to the use of the War Relief Room. 
These permits became a great incentive to good 
behavior amongst the boys. All the old Christian Sci- 

244 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

ence Monitors were eagerly sought after by one of the 
officers in charge of the boys' section, who wrote: 

"May I ask a favor? A few weeks ago you gave me some 
Christian Science papers (Monitors) which I distributed 
amongst the boys. Ever since I have been importuned for 
your papers, and should esteem it a favor if you could pos- 
sibly send me thirty copies a week." 

The Room was in constant use from early morning 
until late in the evening, by both men and women, and 
work of a most valuable and far-reaching character 
was carried on. Services were held twice on Sundays 
and notice of these appeared in the general military 
orders issued on Fridays. These orders contained a 
list of the recognized religious services permitted in 
camp, for which leave from army duties was granted 
without question. The lists were hung in every 
orderly room throughout the. camp. 

Large drafts for overseas service passed through 
Blandford camp and these men and women, en route 
for Italy, France and Russia, asked for the Christian 
Science Room because it had become widely known 
that nothing was too much trouble to the Workers, 
and many and varied were the services rendered to 
these passing visitors. 

A W. A. A. C. who was going on five days' leave, 
came in and told the Worker she felt so ill she would 
never be able to make the journey. She received help 
and called next day to say she was fit and well. She 
sent a postcard three days later to let the Worker 
know all was going splendidly. 

The staff of the Y. M. C. A., when the Worker 
called with a supply of Christian Science Monitors 
one day, insisted on keeping him to lunch, saying as 

245 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

they were reaping of his spiritual gifts he must at 
least share their material ones. The Padres of other 
denominations were also very happy about the advent 
of the War Relief Room at Blandford, and not only 
did they frequently visit it themselves, but they were 
anxious their boys should do so. So in the words of the 
Worker : 

"We are all just one big happy family working together 
for God, if through different channels, still with the same 
spirit, trying to remember that 'God ordains no other bands, 
than united hearts and hands' " (Christian Science Hymnal). 

The men and women who have heard of Christian 
Science through the War Relief Rooms and have 
taken up the study have, in frequent instances, not 
only been healed themselves, but have carried the good 
news back to their homes and have there demon- 
strated the understanding gained. The story is re- 
corded of a young soldier who, with only a dawning 
knowledge of the teachings of Christian Science, 
healed instantaneously two of his mates who were ill 
with influenza. Another man returning home on leave 
found his wife seriously ill, and after telling her of 
his new-found knowledge of God, and reading to her 
passages from the textbook, to his great joy she de- 
clared she was healed and able to attend to her work 
again. Many accounts have come in of men who 
"facing fearful odds" on land and sea, have come 
through unscathed and who attribute their safety to 
their understanding of Christian Science. The Work- 
ers in the different Rooms testify that the men have 
seemed as though they were literally hungering and 
thirsting after righteousness and that, having received 
the bread of life, they have in their turn "borne this 

246 



ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL 

bread from house to house, breaking (explaining) it 
to others" (Science and Health, page 33). 

A record of the work in Great Britain and Ireland 
would not be complete without reference to the splen- 
did literature distribution that has been carried on 
throughout the country since the early days of the 
war. This was first made possible through the gener- 
osity of the Trustees under the Will of Mary Baker 
Eddy, and later through the War Relief Fund. 
Quantities of Christian Science literature have been 
distributed far and wide to the army and navy and 
in this way have reached the training camps, the Y. M. 
C. A. huts, the hospitals, the trenches, the fleet on 
patrol in the North Sea, and the vessels of the mine- 
sweeping fleet all round the coast. Numbers of letters 
have been received from men engaged in many widely 
differing war time vocations in different parts of the 
world, telling of the timely help and comfort which 
have so often come to them through the literature. 
Early in 1917 permission was obtained to send litera- 
ture regularly to a number of British and Canadian 
prisoners of war in Germany and to men interned in 
Holland. Literature has also been supplied to German 
prisoners of war in internment camps in Great Britain 
and many of the men who have been repatriated have 
gone back to Germany with Christian Science litera- 
ture in their pockets. 

In the spring of 1919 it was clearly recognized that 
the emergency that had brought the War Relief 
scheme into being was fast disappearing and that 
much of the splendid work undertaken by the Com- 
mittees could be transferred to the Christian Science 
churches and societies. It was felt that the time had 

247 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

come to put the work back onto a peace basis and to 
link up the soldier, sailor or demobilized man, who so 
desired, with the existing Christian Science organi- 
zations. In many places the local churches recognized 
the opportunity and opened their Reading Rooms to 
suit the convenience of the men after the closing of 
the War Relief Rooms, and in this way have under- 
taken the work of assisting the soldiers back to 
civil life. An enlarged concept of what War Relief 
work has meant to the movement and of what the 
movement can do for humanity has in this way been 
gained. From different parts of the country evidence 
has come in to show that the War Relief work has 
greatly strengthened the churches in the different 
localities. In some instances Christian Science Socie- 
ties have been formed in towns where the War Relief 
activities have drawn the Scientists together and en- 
couraged them to go forward. And not only have 
groups of Christian Scientists been drawn together 
in this service to their fellow men, but there has grown 
up a clearer consciousness of the unity of the whole 
Christian Science movement and of its great mission 
for the salvation of mankind. 

The gathering of the harvest of the War Relief 
work is an impossible task, for like the good seed of 
the parable, the multiplying is beyond possibility of 
record, but there is manifold evidence that these 
activities have brought nearer the day when "the 
earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory 
of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea," 



248 



VII 
A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

"These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other 
undone." — Luke 11 : 42. 

A happy world in quiet action lay. Its humble tasks, 
its homely joys, filled each succeeding day. Sunrise 
and sunset, the morning lark, the evening thrush 
marked time, while men and women ceased their plow- 
ing for the planting, the weeding for the reaping. The 
hidden root, the plant, the vine and every fruit-filled 
tree was yielding up its increase, and strains of grati- 
tude borne on the August breezes, hinted the oncom- 
ing harvest. So lay the world in active peace, when a 
flash, a peal, a thunderous roll announced the foe. 
Hell's stores were opened, and an anguished world 
convulsed. 

The first faint, piteous moan touched the pitying 
heart, and help went out to relieve it; but the moan 
gave way to one great human, globe-encircling cry, 
and, Deo gratias, a world of love went out to meet it. 
Through men this quick response took arms. What 
could it do through women? Much. It could say to the 
enlisting men: "The womanhood of the world is with 
you; it will provide you warmth and comfort; it will 
bring you cheer, encouragement, and even joy." To 
the widow and the fatherless it could say : "The great 
mother-heart of the universe embraces you; lean on 
it; for it will feed you, clothe you, comfort you." 

249 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

The Christian Scientists, with those of every other 
creed and faith, heard the call and answered, using at 
first the only available means. Individually they gave 
their services to existent relief organizations; in 
groups they purchased wool in quantities, knitting 
and teaching the use of the needles to others less pro- 
ficient, made and fitted comfort bags, and distributed 
the results to individuals in the service. Calls for bags 
and knitted garments, however, steadily increased, 
and while they were met with rapidly increasing labor, 
the lack of an organized clearing house was keenly 
felt. There seemed to be one clear, insistent call: 

"Make channels for the streams of love, 
Where they may broadly run ; 
And love has overflowing streams 
To fill them ev'ry one." 

The call was heard, plans quickly developed, and 
through the courtesy of the Board of Directors, head- 
quarters were opened in the house owned by the 
church, at 191 Huntington Avenue, Boston. Here 
yarn was sold, model garments exhibited, and all 
knitted wear received and distributed. Even this step 
toward systematization added a stimulus to individual 
efforts. For example, one woman turned her house 
into a workshop for several days, for the making of 
the first twenty sweater vests, the garment that "fitted 
so well," was "so soft and warm," and had "such a 
nice feeling." 

It was during this period that the Halifax disaster 
occurred, and the value of a well- constructed organi- 
zation, vitalized with love and intelligence, was mani- 
fested. The response of the Scientists to their brothers' 
needs was almost overwhelming; and in an incredibly 

250 




s 



13 



.a 3 

u cr 1 

co en 




ti 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

short time the donated garments, both old and new, 
were assorted and shipped, bringing forth from one 
of the Canadian authorities the statement that never 
had he seen a more practical manifestation of genuine 
Christianity. 

The joy of self-forgetfulness, of seeking one's own 
in another's good, put a new value upon the "odd 
moments," and quickened the click of the needles. 
Knitted garments came in, in ever increasing numbers 
and varieties. Yet, though human need was daily in- 
creasing, and the stream of warmth and comfort 
necessary to meet it was daily deepening and broaden- 
ing, suddenly every facility for larger giving was shut 
off. The locks were closed, as it were, and the stream 
held up without an outlet. What was the matter? 
What was lacking? What the one thing needful? 
Prayer for enlightenment was answered: ours was 
"a deed without a name." If we were acting "in His 
name" we could say so. Quickly appeared the little 
label "Comforts Forwarding Committee. Christian 
Scientists." The locks swung open at its touch, and 
the liberated stream poured out uninterruptedly to 
the end. The question of knitting was settled, but 
other needs were now arising. What of the soft, warm 
garments and other accessories so necessary to the 
comfort of the men in the hospitals and resting camps? 
What, too, of the refugees? "I was . . . naked, and 
ye clothed me." A moment saved is a moment earned, 
and a needed, kindly deed no waste. Moreover, what 
messages of love, of truth, could go forth with every 
garment. "The divinity of the Christ was made mani- 
fest in the humanity of Jesus" (Science and Health, 
page 25) ; the tender love of the Church of Christ, 
Scientist, could now declare itself in a new, tender and 

251 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

practical way to all mankind. The universal language 
is its own interpreter. The decision was quickly 
reached, the last doubt silenced, and every woman was 
free to express in some measure her sympathy. 

Every great movement lies first in embryo, in an 
expanding area of human consciousness, until its 
necessity find utterance through someone fitted to 
express it. Such an one invited to her home ten other 
Scientists, each making there a sample garment which 
she took to her own home, together with material for 
one hundred and ten similar garments. Her home 
became the meeting-place for another unit of ten, of 
which she was the captain, each of whom took her 
garment, together with material for ten more, to her 
home, where she became the captain of still another 
unit. In this simple way, quietly, unostentatiously, one 
thousand one hundred and ten new garments could be 
turned out each week; and as the more expensive 
material of one week was offset by a simpler one the 
next, the weekly individual payment of twenty-five 
cents covered, in the beginning, the cost of production. 

Widening activities necessitated larger headquar- 
ters, and the ground floor and basement at 328 
Boylston Street were rented. This was a thrilling 
moment for the women. Right in the midst of the 
city's business interests, on an attractive corner of an 
attractive street, they were to open a place which in 
every detail should manifest to the world just how 
Christian Science is operative in human affairs. Still 
mindful of the object for which they were working, 
they could make the scene of their activities a glad- 
some spot to the heavily burdened business men, to 
the sobered women shoppers, to the workers in other 

252 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

relief organizations and even to the students, all of 
whom were passing it in hundreds every day. 

To begin with, the windows must be indicative of 
the spirit within. They must tell the passer-by not, 
primarily, what garments were being fashioned, but 
what qualities of thought were multiplying for the 
encouragement of the soldier and the solace of the 
refugee. They must talk of life itself, speak forth 
comfort, warmth and affluence. One window, lined 
with yellow, displaying every kind of knitted wear in 
blue, gray and khaki, and piled up high with bales of 
wool, was in itself an invitation to the uniformed men 
to bask in its sunshine; and when one side was hung 
with gay colored comfort bags, the contents — a veri- 
table Christmas tree — spilled out in front of them, 
while on the other side were sewing kits, so complete 
yet so compact, was it any wonder that the blue and 
khaki boys gathered there to smile, and felt that there 
would be some moments of almost play, while defend- 
ing the flags that crowned the window? 

Perhaps it was that pretty pink bag in the corner, 
flaunting its abundance of gay roses, that called forth 
from the recipient this jolly letter: 

"Dear Friend Someone: I was very much pleased to get 
a fine comfort kit from you yesterday. It certainly had the 
comforts. A little bit of a bag of buttons, that was really 
what I most needed. Oh, there were lots of buttons in it, but 
it looked so tiny and stuffy I had to laugh. . . . The pins, 
the thread, the kerchiefs, soap, both shaving and hand, 
talcum powder, laces, oh, I can't think what all was there. 
And everything just fits me. I know I won't need any more 
shaving soap for a long time, for my beard doesn't grow fast. 
You know we're not any of us very old men. I never think 
how old I am; just keep feeling glad at how young I feel. 

253 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Perhaps my feelings are the only thing that doesn't belong 
to Uncle Sam, yet I feel contented, like my work, and study 
and try to get ahead. Isn't that the way to do? Don't you 
admire the paragraphing in this note? I think it's fine. But 
you know we mustn't waste even paper. Will someone waste 
a post card on me, or — never mind, I'm satisfied with what 
I have. Thanks a whole lot." 

Of course if you were a man in the service you 
peeked through the window to see what was going on 
beyond it ; and you caught a glimpse of smiling women 
behind a counter, selling yarn and yarn and still more 
yarn to the women in front. Then you couldn't help 
walking in, for somehow everything seemed to talk 
to you of the things you wanted said, and a warm 
welcome was sung into your very soul. On entering, 
you found a bunch of boys trying on sweaters and 
helmets and wristers, expressing their desires like 
little children in a toy shop, and receiving them 
without stint; even, as one boy exclaimed, without 
being asked what church they belonged to. If you 
looked beyond that pile of knitted wear which seemed 
to envelop you, your eyes rested upon a group of 
young girls who belonged to no unit, but who spent 
their spare moments making and filling comfort bags, 
sewing on labels, etc. ; and then your gaze was drawn 
irresistibly over the intervening space, filled with 
desks for the clerical part of the movement, to a plat- 
form where the knitting machines were running to full 
capacity, and socks, those "Christian Science socks," 
as the boys called them, because they were "so soft," 
and "didn't shrink," were issuing in hundreds. 

But not all of you were men; some of you were 
women, and therefore after looking over the knitted 
wear to "get ideas," you stepped to the window be- 

254 



DISTRIBUTION GRATU1TE 

Ctyristiai? Science 

par les soins de M m8 RINGTJIER, 5, Rue Mariolle 



Le COMITE LYON-SAINT-QUEHTIN a regu, en trois jours, 2B, 27, 28 Mai — 
2242 inscriptions de Families, representant environ tO.OOO personnes. 
Les 2242 ficheS numcrotecs ont ete remises a Madame Ringuier, le Jeudi 
29 Mai, au moment oil elle achevaii I'inventaire des caisses attributes a Saint- 
Quentin-Vllle, lequel total isait 13.233 OBJETS. La distribution aura lieu 
par seric de 200, tlu 16 iSU 27 JUIN. 



II y a beaucoup de 



cms pour liUettes 



749 chemises, etc C'est le lot le plus important el il esl compose 
Je ires jolics choses, 

Jails, etc. 

Pour les (lames, nous avons un lot de 1.075 objets. dont : 
io5 rmvtinees. 147 couvcrtures et 4S3 jolis peignoirs d'hivcr. 

Pour ies garconnets, il y a 1 .42.1 objets varies. 

It rossort de ces ohtffres que nous devrons 
" charger " les BONS sur lesquels il y a des 
fillettes, en reduisant la part das papas et 
ntamans, pour confectionner les paqueis des 
families oil il n'y a pas de fillettes. 



i-es personnes devrontconservcr leur riche numecolcc qui ser- 
1 pourle tirape au son des |5 machines a coudre. 



La confection des p.iauets euiu en bonne voie, nous po 
commencer la distribution le I.uildl 10 Juhl, el !a 
nuer lous les |..urs. de 4 hemes a IJ li. I 2 iusqu'a cpuii 
des 2.242 paqueis. 

Pour eviier la bousculade, nous dislribuerons une scrie 
paqueis par jour. Comme les paqueis prepares .i Pavanc 



s. Mi: 






De ccuefacon. pas de peric Je lemps. 

I*.\s Ki: HOI iSCULADE (prendre la (ile s. \ p.) 



Nous rappelons que ies paqueis sont confecticnncs d'apr 
c >inposit:on de la famille et d'apres la categoric : 
I- Les personnes qui n'ont jamais rien recu : 
a»Cellcsqui m| deja recu une fois ; 

t'eci dil pour espliquer que les paqueis n'auront pas la n 
importance pi.ur des families composiies d'aulani de personne 



Ordre de la Distribution par Series de 200 

Tous les jours, de 4 h. a 6 h. 1:2 



Lumll 10 .lull 

Mardi 17 Juii 

Mcrcrrdi IS Juii 

Nous avons en reserve utlc centaine de MAGNIFIQUES | .i,. u ,ii m ,|„i, 

LAYETTES, qui scrom distribute au fur et a mesure des I VendpwH .,„ j uil 

naissaneesa la Mjternile de I IIOtel-Dieu. 

j Saiuedl 21 Juin 

II ; .. peu de chaussures a distribuer. car nous avons envoye I 

ptacedevetements. K " j Mardl 2', Juii 

Toutes ces jolics choses. que nous devons & la generosile des j Meref'-ili 2.1 .lnii 

daraes de ChrislianScicnce. — qucM™ Ringuier a rcroerciees j -»"'"'i 2C Jain 



Ktl I a I OOO 

I (lt)l ;i 1 200 

I 201 :i I .400 

1 'ill I a" 1. 000 

I OOl a 1 8011 

I sol a 2.000 



Lc TIRAGE AU SORT ties 15 MACHINES A COUDRE aura lieu le DIMANCHE 29 JUIN 
a lo liourcs dtt matin, sous le peristyle du THEATRE. Seuls, les Membres de la Commission, auront 
acces sur les marches. 

I.a Commission sera composee Je MM. Ringuier, Tricottcaux et Charles Deschamps. Conseillcrs 
d'Arrondissemcnls, auxquels soul prices dc se joindrc, comme ten... ins. les personnes a qui le hasard a attribuc le* 
BONS N" 200, 400, (iUU, S00, 1000, 1200, 1 iOI), 1600, 1800, 2000, 2200. 

Les 15 Numeros gagnanis seront a_£flo:h.es aussitot 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

yond; and after exclaiming over the Carbone vase 
with its pussy willows, or wondering how wild ferns 
and violets and lady's-slippers happened to grow in 
a window, you settled down to an exhaustive survey 
of the attractive garments before you. What a lay- 
ette, — with its thirty-six pieces, so very white, so 
sensible, so complete! What unwelcome baby, what 
stricken mother, would be comforted and encouraged 
by that? Those little shirts, made so deftly from 
adults' garments that one hardly suspected their 
origin; those warm yet dainty bootees in pink and 
white and blue ; the baby bonnets crocheted of softest 
wool; surely it was not hard routine, but warm, 
inspired love that fashioned these. The baby blan- 
kets and little jackets lay just beyond, but your 
practical mind was already contemplating the gar- 
ments on the right, complete outfits for both winter 
and summer wear, for girls from two to fourteen years 
of age ; the undergarments all so new and strong and 
durable; the dresses simple in design and serviceable. 
A belt, a pocket, a bit of braid or embroidery, how- 
ever, lifted them into the realm of the custom-made, 
and gave evidence of the loving thought of the makers. 
Then, too, there were outfits for boys between the 
ages of six and twelve; blouses that looked a bit ex- 
pensive for the times, because there was nothing to 
reveal the fact that they had been made from some 
man's choicest shirts which had become worn at the 
neck. How diminutive, too, were those little trousers, 
especially when one thought of the castaway garments 
from which they were cut. But they were not all 
"made-overs." Those smart suits of blue denim, for 
instance; who could have designed them? And, oh, 
those policemen's and firemen's uniforms, children's 

255 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

size, made just to send a thrill through the hearts 
of the little boys who should wear them! You 
were wondering why there was such a lack of color, 
as your eyes fell upon a pile of black sateen ties for 
the girls, all so carefully made, so neatly pressed 
and folded, and for a moment you thought only of 
mourning. Upon inquiry, however, you learned that 
the children in France had always worn that kind; 
that bright colors, especially red, were to them the 
insignia of the devil, and therefore to be avoided. You 
couldn't wait to look at the garments for older girls 
(there were none for older boys — they were all in 
uniform) and for the mothers; you only glanced at 
the pajamas and the gray and pink day shirts for the 
men in the hospitals. You, too, must get behind that 
attractive window, to see what was going on inside. 
Being a woman, you instantly exclaimed, "What 
order; what neatness!" There were samples of every 
garment being made, with women to tell you all about 
them. Cut garments, all in their, proper places, stood 
ready to be sold to the units. One shelf made you 
think of those wonderful gardens at Bellaggio, all 
roses and wistaria and azaleas, and you couldn't think 
what it contained, until the fascinating cretonnes were 
shaken out before you, to make your choice for com- 
fort bags. Beyond, a unit was holding its weekly meet- 
ing, and fingers were flying, machines singing, while 
women were discussing, and showing each other, the 
quickest and neatest way to finish a collar or put in a 
sleeve. 

"Oh, you are so clean here, so orderly," exclaimed 
the head of another relief organization. "How do you 
doit?" 

256 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

"You seem to be able to count upon your workers. 
Some days we have seventy-five, and some days only 
three," was the comment of the manager of a neigh- 
boring committee. 

"Yes, we are well organized, our work is systema- 
tized, and the true Christian Scientist means to fulfill 
his responsibilities." 

It was that cheerful response to the call for help 
that placed in the basement a splendid corps of work- 
ers, where all garments, both new and secondhand, 
were assorted and packed in great cases for shipping. 
It was not the easiest part of the work, or the most 
decorative, but the same neatness and exactness were 
demanded; and the murmur of happy voices punc- 
tuated with occasional ripples of laughter, which 
reached the workers on the floor above, gave evidence 
of the joy below. What a happy sense of cooperation 
it all gave rise to. 

This cooperation, however, was not limited to 
Greater Boston. Hardly had the work there taken 
definite form, before Scientists all over the country, 
from ocean to ocean, and from Hawaii and the Canal 
Zone to Alaska, expressed a desire to share in it, and 
were gladly hailed as allies. One group after another 
joined the happy throng, until there were seven 
hundred and eighty-nine. There was no stereotyped 
method of organization. The units varied in size, some 
meeting in private houses, while others preferred 
public workrooms. In some of the larger cities a 
number of such rooms were opened, in different 
localities, all uniting in general headquarters for 
receiving and distributing the garments. Varying 
methods were employed, too, for the raising of funds, 
some preferring per capita assessments, others de- 

257 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

pending upon voluntary contributions. Nor was the 
work confined to the regulation garments. Each com- 
mittee used its ingenuity in supplying the unexpected. 
One, for instance, made some rag dolls, "pretty 
enough to bring a ray of joy to the heart of the most 
saddened child," for the little ones in France and 
Belgium, and received in return the following letter: 

"To the Secretary of the Comforts Forwarding Com- 
mittee : Thank you so much for the darling rag dolls ; they 
will bring joy to many little French kiddies on Christmas 
morning, when they will know that the good American Santa 
Claus sent his message of love. 

"Tell all of your workers that they are doing an immense 
amount of good by making these toys for the children of 
stricken France. We must not forget that it is as important 
to support the morale of the civilians and the soldiers, as to 
care for their physical needs. The little children must have 
toys, as the soldiers must have letters, to soothe a present 
pain, and to reveal a future of hope. 

"We must, in so far as it is possible, dispel from the minds 
of the children of France, the horror and suffering of this 
war, for France's great hope lies in her little ones. 

"On behalf of our Committee, and on behalf of the children 
of France, I thank you and all who have so generously helped 
in the making of this precious gift. 

"I am, very truly yours," 

(Signed by the Secretary, American Fund for French 
Wounded.) 

One Committee gave to a base hospital unit, leaving 
for Italy, thirty beautiful rag rugs for their own use, 
besides supplying each of the two hundred men with 
a good pocket knife, in a leather case, each bearing the 
name of the Committee in gold. 

258 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

One day the window at the headquarters in Boston 
assumed an entirely new aspect. From a distance it 
looked like flag day, but closer inspection revealed the 
most wonderful collection of picture books, made by 
children for their little friends on the other side. 
Only childhood's genuine humor, its love of color, of 
the mysterious, could have made such a splendid 
choice of pictures ; and only unstudied art could have 
arranged them so artistically. It was not strange that 
a passer-by stepped in to see if any could be bought. 

Several of the committees exercised their ingenuity 
in making slumber robes. The soft gray and white 
ones, brightened by a bit of pink or blue, plainly were 
for the little tots. Then came larger ones, made of 
tailors' samples and warmly lined, for the comfort of 
the men in the hospitals. Sometimes they contained 
surprise pockets, with a cheering word tucked in for 
the man who was clever enough to find it. One veri- 
table novelty was a slumber robe made of pennants — 
an inexhaustible source of amusement to the boys in 
one of the convalescent hospitals. What trip could 
one not take traveling under so many flags! So 
great was the demand for this robe in the hospital that 
it was generally engaged in advance for the following 
day, and to keep it only half of one's allotted time and 
then pass it on to another, was plainly one of the 
sacrifices of the war. 

Two demands only were made of every unit: that 
the staple garments conform to the rules sent out 
from headquarters, rules which had been obtained 
from those cognizant of the methods and customs in 
the various countries to which the clothes were to be 
sent; and that all work press toward perfection. At 
times there came the temptation to show our sisters 

259 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

across the seas a more comely way of dressing them- 
selves, especially in these days of silhouettes, to say 
nothing of a simpler way to dress their pillows. Their 
pillow-cases were far too complicated for the practical 
American mind. It was a little difficult, too, always 
to remember that the French and British hospitals 
had never agreed as to whether hospital garments 
should be made with the seams inside or out. However, 
one fact was clearly recognized, that love meets the 
other man's need as it is, and not as someone thinks 
it ought to be. Meanwhile the thousands of sewers 
were gradually giving up their fixed habits, prac- 
ticing patience by cheerfully ripping and sewing a 
second time, or even a third, if necessary to the send- 
ing out of a model garment; and learning to finish 
their small, even stitches with thread securely fastened. 
It was this effort to do their best which resulted in 
the query from another relief organization handling 
their goods: 

"Are all your workers trained sewers?" 

"No." 

"Then how do you account for your work being so 
exceptional? I had always thought that Christian 
Science was an idealistic religion." 

"So it is, — a practical idealism; a religion which 
governs every act of our lives even to the sewing on 
of buttons. There is a perfect standard of sewing, and 
Christian Scientists having that before them when 
making these garments, do all to the glory of God." 

Yes, to the glory of God, to the glory of One whose 
standard is perfection, but whose infinitude admits 
of variety of expression. Love paints the petals, but 
never two exactly alike ; and it was the same love that 
tipped the "Christian Science socks" with so many 

260 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

pretty bits of color, that gave individual designs to 
scarfs, and thought out numberless attractive ways of 
ornamenting sweaters, even to the weaving of U. S. A. 
across the front. It was the same love that slipped a 
pretty hair ribbon, or daintily bordered handkerchief 
into the pocket of a child's dress; that made all the 
infant clothes, and thousands of handkerchiefs for the 
men, by hand, in order to avoid the harshness of 
machine work. 

Unpacking the cases of goods that came in daily 
certainly had its joys and its surprises, for the whole 
field felt the spirit of the work, with results that ex- 
pressed not deadening labor, but living activity. And 
the spirit which pervaded the groups reached even 
the units of one — individuals living in obscure little 
hamlets. Cut materials were mailed to them, and the 
finished garments returned in the same way. Thus 
space was annihilated, and the most isolated Christian 
Scientist felt only her unity with the whole cause. 

Among the many interesting contributions was 
that of some Alaskan Indians, living only sixty-five 
miles from the Arctic Circle, from a friend of whom 
came the following letter: 

"Near us across the river Yukon is a small mining camp 
and a native village. As the Indian women were anxious to 
help I suggested that they make little moccasins, as leather 
is scarce and shoes expensive. Most of us wear moccasins 
here in winter, and many wear them all summer; and the 
little people, both whites and natives, wear them. So the 
moccasins, made from their very firmest skins, were sent in 
for me to forward, sixteen pairs in all. This was an act of 
love and generosity that I must mention, as most of these 
women have babies of their own and are extremely busy, and 
the articles made from their moose skins and sold to the 

261 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

whites, constitute a big part of their living. Nettie Mayo 
Bergman, for instance, had a tiny baby, another only a year 
old, yet she donated two pairs for some stricken little ones. 
Old Grandma Pitka, who speaks no English, and who takes 
care of a paralytic husband and a little grandson, sent me 
word that no one had asked her to make moccasins, but she 
wanted to help if it was not too late. So her donation is with 
the others. 

"Always the Indians have had things given to them and 
done for them, and I never saw them so happy as they are 
now, learning that they can help someone else." 

With the moccasins came a group picture of the 
women and children who had made them. After both 
had been exhibited in the window of the Boston head- 
quarters, the moccasins were carefully sewed into a 
box and forwarded, with the photograph, to France. 

The spontaneity of the whole field again neces- 
sitated larger headquarters in Boston. The sales de- 
partment, together with the knitting machines, moved 
to 460 Boylston Street, while one whole floor of a 
large automobile building on Beacon Street became 
the wholesale house of supply, and the scene of great 
activity. Despite the prevailing scarcity of wool, 
sufficient quantities were obtained by the Comforts 
Forwarding Committee to supply not only the work- 
ers in the immediate vicinity, but to answer the calls 
from all over the field. Blankets for convalescent 
robes, as handsome as market ever produced, were 
purchased, and sold to the various units to be made. 
Countless bolts of khaki eider down were bought for 
the making of sweater vests, "the finest garment ever 
put out by any organization," according to some of 
the army officers. Indeed the quantity of materials 

262 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

required often necessitated passing over the whole- 
sale dealer and going direct to the manufacturer. 
Turkish toweling for face cloths and towels, the 
finest of cheesecloth for handkerchiefs, blue and 
khaki denim for dresses and boys' suits, were piled 
high. Ten thousand dollars' worth of outing flannel 
was bought at one time, to insure both quantity and 
quality at a time when the market seemed doubtful. 
The pink and blue made garments for the children, 
the lavender and white striped went into nightshirts 
for the boys, while the gray was used for the women. 
Despite the demand for all materials, the sense of 
lack was never felt here. On the contrary there was 
such a prevailing sense of abundance that the feeling 
became almost universal that what anybody wanted 
could be found at the Christian Science headquarters. 
That the branch groups all over the country were 
making a similar demonstration of supply was evi- 
denced by the quantity of garments turned in. 

Hardly could equal space be the scene of more 
varied activities than the workroom on Beacon Street. 
Through the courtesy of the Hood Rubber Company, 
the larger garments were cut by machinery; but 
the parts were assembled here — a work requiring 
strength, speed and accuracy, and admitting of little 
friendly chat. The smaller garments were cut here by 
hand, and so carefully that, after skirts for girls were 
cut, the pieces left were made into children's night- 
gowns. The remnants from these went first into baby 
jackets, then hoods and finally bootees. Scraps too 
small to cover a baby's foot, were snipped for filling 
pillows — a work given over, in some cities, to the 
Sunday school children that they, too, might have a 
special part in forwarding comforts for our boys. 

263 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Around one large table sat a group of women sew- 
ing on labels ; those around the table in the corner were 
filling comfort bags, and a pleasant time they were 
having too. Near them could be seen a group of 
women whose quizzical expressions showed at once 
that they were looking over the secondhand garments 
that had been sent in, endeavoring to make sure that 
each was in perfect repair, and placed where it would 
be sent to the country most needing it. Another table 
was covered with such attractive, harmonious colors, 
one wondered what it was going to contribute to the 
great cause, until closer inspection revealed that the 
pieces left from the convalescent robes were being 
converted into splendid blankets for the hospitals. 
That activity was too fascinating to be called work. 
One almost wished it were possible to go with each 
blanket to see what joy it carried to the boys needing 
the joy. What could those women be doing, with 
their arms going steadily round and round? Winding 
thread for the sewing kits. Another attractive table, 
well worth a call, was covered with slippers, in various 
stages of making; sometimes matching the convales- 
cent robes; sometimes made of velours, bound and 
lined with contrasting colors to satisfy the love of the 
artistic. 

In the midst of these more quiet activities, the big 
freight elevator announced the arrival of more cases. 
"What has California sent this time?" 
"This one is from Ohio; do open it at once." 
"Have you seen the dresses that came yesterday 
from Minnesota?" 

"No, but I was here Tuesday and saw the boys' 
outfits that Michigan sent in." 

264 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

No longer was there any "here" and "there." 
Every group seemed just across the hall, and the 
various labels bearing the names of the cities they 
represented were simply greetings from the various 
members of the family. Love unifies, and cooperation 
is the manifestation of love. Healings of estrange- 
ment were rapidly being consummated through this 
united work for their far-away brothers and their 
sisters. That the blessing of this sense of unity fell not 
only upon the workers themselves, but was felt by the 
recipients of the garments, is shown by the following 
letters : 

"Dear Friends: Upon examining my outfit, recently re- 
ceived from the Comforts Forwarding Committee, Christian 
Scientists, Boston, I was surprised to find that it contained 
articles furnished by workers in each of the following places : 
Boston, Massachusetts; Lima, Ohio; Minneapolis, Minne- 
sota ; St. Louis, Missouri ; Denver, Colorado ; Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa. 

"This seemed such a striking tribute to the universal 
nature of the work being done, as well as to the spirit of 
cooperation which was uniting the workers, that I felt com- 
pelled to send a note of thanks to each of those who had 
contributed, and to assure them that each one who receives 
the benefit of this work is being inspired in the duty of 
'making his own gift a higher tribute to the Most High' " 
(Science and Health, page 541). 

"A few days ago I received a Comfort Package from your 
Committee. It is useless for me to attempt to express in 
writing, or by any other means, my feelings upon opening 
this package and seeing its contents, — so many things useful 
to a soldier. 

"I can tell you, though, that since the day it came, a new 
feeling in regard to going 'over the top' has come over me. 
The drills are easier, the hikes are easier, and I am much 

265 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

more contented to take the little knocks and bumps that a 
fellow has to put up with in the course of training, and which 
are just the things that make a man discouraged unless some- 
one shows some interest in his welfare and comfort. 

"In a short time, no one knows how soon, I expect to be 
in France. The quicker the better, for I am very anxious; 
and as I go, and while I am there, I shall make use of the 
wonderful things which you good people have sent me. I can 
assure you that as I go 'over the top' my heart will be full of 
pride, and thankful to God, that I am of, and fighting for, a 
nation made up of such great and wonderfully good people. 

"I believe that for you good people to realize to the full 
extent the greatness of the work you are doing, and the good 
that will come of it, both during and after this war, is im-^ 
possible; but we soldiers do, and you can rest assured that 
we wont forget you. 

"All the lads in my company having seen my package want 
me to say 'Hello' and 'Good luck' to you all. 

"With the most sincere thanks." 

There were two phases of the Comforts Forward- 
ing work, quite distinct although indissolubly con- 
nected: the making and assembling of the garments, 
and their distribution. Several methods for giving out 
the garments were used. Quite a proportion of the 
knitted wear went directly from the various Com- 
mittees to the individual soldiers and sailors applying 
for it. This personal contact was a happy part of the 
activity to the Committees and the recipients. The 
men already interested in Christian Science enjoyed 
their visits to the various Committee rooms; for the 
love expressed there helped them to feel that the whole 
body of Scientists stood closely behind them. A sur- 
prise, a wholly new experience, awaited, however, 
those who had never before come in immediate contact 
with Christian Science. Men had only to go to a Com- 

266 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

forts Forwarding Room to find quickly the warm 
garments they so much needed. Neither creed, color 
nor nationality interfered, if they were wearing the 
uniform of the United States. This made no slight 
impression upon the men. To go from the freedom of 
one's own fireside, from the solicitous care of parents 
or wife, to the discipline and impersonal status of mili- 
tary life, was often the first battle to be won. As one 
boy expressed it, "One's feelings are the only thing 
that doesn't belong to Uncle Sam," and those feelings 
were consequently the more sensitive, the more easily 
hurt, the more easily gladdened. To go, therefore, 
where a man was asked only his name and place in the 
service, where he was greeted as a personal friend, 
where he could try on garments and make his own se- 
lection; where the word of encouragement, and even 
of confidence, was never lacking, does one believe that 
one of those boys will ever forget the experience? 

It was a sailor boy who stood, one Saturday morn- 
ing, reading the sign, "Comforts Forwarding Com- 
mittee." At first it seemed to mean nothing to him; 
but surely, if slowly, its promise and appeal worked 
its way through the shell-shocked, gassed and horror- 
stricken mind, to the inner consciousness, where it met 
a response. He crossed the street, opened the door and 
walked in. The steady rays of unchanging love sur- 
rounded him. Little by little his petrified thought 
relaxed; little by little, stuttering, gasping, sighing, 
his story came forth; and when the effort to speak 
became too great, he finished the tale in writing. After 
more than a year of service in the army "over there," 
after going over the top and experiencing the full 
import of those words, what was left of the once stal- 
wart lad had been sent back to his Texas home. But 

267 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

no home awaited him. His widowed mother, having 
married again, had closed her heart and her house to 
the shattered hero. Turned from her door, he came to 
Uncle Sam, to offer such service as he could then 
render in the merchant marine. 

Seated in a sheltered corner of the Comforts For- 
warding Room, the homeless one was gently led to 
relax, and confidently rest in the mother love there 
shown him. Was there no church to help him? 

"Oh, mercy, no, I never went to church; but my 
people are Protestants." 

"How did you happen to come in here?" 
"I don't know. I was across the street." 
"I know; it was because we can help you." 
"That is impossible. (A sigh.) I am so lonesome." 
"If you stay in this city we will give you something 
to do." 

"I wish I could do something for you." 
The conversation closed with the gift of a Sentinel, 
a pamphlet and an invitation to come again Monday 
morning. 

At nine o'clock there stood the boy, happy, whis- 
tling. 

"I went to your church yesterday; ain't it fine!" 
No mention of the church had hitherto been made 
to him, but he had found a notice of it in the Sentinel, 
and even the pouring rain could not keep him from its 
doors. His happy visits to the Comforts Forwarding 
Rooms continued, until his ship put out to sea ; and it 
was a very different boy who said, "Good-bye ; I shall 
come to see you on my return." 

One day a little Italian woman appeared at a dis- 
tributing headquarters. "My boy in France; he cold; 
he say boys all around him nice and warm; they tell 

268 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

him this place ; he say don't go any other place, come 
here and get him nice things, too." 

In her eager, trembling hand was the loved son's 
letter. "Leave it with us that we may have his address, 
and we will see that he gets all that he wants." 

Will that mother ever forget? 

Two happy, but poorly clad, sailors walked con- 
fidently in. Could they have something to keep them 
warm? Of course they could; all they needed. Who 
had sent them there ? The policeman at the corner 
of First and Second Streets ; he said that was the place 
to go to. 

A little later it was a dear young boy in khaki who 
entered. "I have a brother in France; I have just 
received a letter from him. He says he got his sweater 
here, and tells me to come here for mine, and to be 
sure to get a pamphlet. Perhaps you wouldn't give 
me these things if you knew. This isn't our religion; 
we're not saying much about it to the folks at home." 

One cheerful summer morning the sun on the 
gilded sign, and the open door, brought in a crazed, 
nigh insane man. 

"What" comfort can you give me? Tell me that! My 
first son was killed, and now my second is dead, too. 
Already I've had six drinks of whiskey. What com- 
fort can you give me?" 

Instantly every woman present remembered that 
Life is eternal, as one of them said. 

"How do you know it?" he inquired. 

"Because God is Life." 

"How do you know that?" 

"We have proven it." 

"Say it again." 

"God is Life, and therefore Life is eternal." 

269 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

A moment's stillness, a silent prayer, a few more 
words of comfort, and a quiet, thoughtful man went 
out upon the street with the truth for his companion. 

The address of a Comforts Forwarding Committee 
was left by a War Relief Worker at the Custom 
House, together with the assurance that any needy 
one would there find help. The interested yeowoman 
put the card on file. Several months later a young 
enlisted seaman told her his story. He had been or- 
dered for duty on one of the Canadian drifters, so- 
called — a fleet of patrol boats, dirty, cramped, re- 
pelling. He would be stationed in icy waters for six 
months. His aunt had expected to meet him with a 
package from the Red Cross, but had been unable 
to get a sweater or other articles, and he must sail 
without them. With joy the yeowoman recalled the 
card on file, and the boy appeared without delay at 
the distributing rooms. After a brief but heart-to- 
heart talk with the woman in charge, the boy went 
out, carrying with him not only a good supply of 
knitted wear, but also an illuminating pamphlet. The 
following day three of his comrades appeared, asking, 
first of all, for pamphlets, and specifying that they 
be diiferent from the one given yesterday's boy. This 
group was quickly followed by another, until more 
than thirty of the officers and men, all of them fellows 
of the finer type but most unhappily placed, were 
supplied with all the physical and mental comforts 
the Committee had to offer. Expressions of true 
appreciation came later from the yeowoman and the 
boys ; but the greatest gratitude was felt by the Scien- 
tists themselves ; not only were they supplied with 
garments that it was a pleasure to give away, but of 
far greater import was the fact that the Comforter 

270 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

had come, the Comforter that would lead these boys 
into the truth of whatever situation awaited them. 

How true were the words of a big, uncouth enlisted 
lad, who, upon leaving the Comforts Forwarding 
Rooms, said: "There are some things that money can- 
not pay for; this is one of the times. I haven't much, 
and when I get in the- army I shall probably have 
less, but I want to leave this," and he laid down two 
dollars as his offering. 

Another boy, wishing to pay for a sweater, was 
told it was a gift. 

"But," he said, "things cost." 

"These are given." 

"But they cost something." 

"I cannot take anything for them." 

"Well, if I leave something on the table you can't 
say anything;" and suddenly dropping a five dollar 
bill, he vanished through the door. 

Garfield once said that whenever he saw a young 
boy he felt like taking off his hat to him, because he 
never knew what might be buttoned up under his 
coat. How many feel that way today. The boy has 
made for himself a new place in history, and perhaps, 
too, in the hearts of all mankind. 

Another source of distribution was, as has already 
been mentioned, through other relief organizations, 
and for this opportunity of showing to those who 
hitherto had known nothing of us, or were, perhaps, 
antagonistic, what our religion really teaches us to do 
and to be, we have every reason to be grateful. How 
many prejudices were broken down, how many bitter 
feelings sweetened, how much of ignorance dissolved 
and replaced by intelligent, sympathetic understand- 
ing, we shall never know. Often and often came the 

271 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR, 

assurance that a wholly new concept of Christian Sci- 
ence was being formed. 

It is the splendid work of the Minute Man Com- 
mittee of the Sons of the American Revolution to 
stand at the point of readiness to render any needed 
help. No avoidable delays are incident to its charity. 
When the Halifax disaster occurred, the Minute Man 
Committee was electric in its response ; when the sol- 
diers at a Massachusetts training camp were ordered 
to march before being supplied by the Government 
with suitable shoes, it was the Minute Man Committee 
that provided them. The spirit of this organization 
was the spirit of the Christian Scientists, and there- 
fore it was a pleasure to the Comforts Forwarding 
Committee to respond many times to calls for assist- 
ance from the brother organization. The following 
letter is self-explanatory: 

"At the meeting of the Board of Managers of the Massa- 
chusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution held 
on Wednesday, May 1, 1918, the following vote was passed: 

" 'Voted : that the thanks of the Society be and the same 
are hereby extended to the Christian Science Church of 
Boston, Massachusetts, for their very generous assistance 
in the contribution of money and goods to the work of the 
1917 Minute Man Committee during the past year.' 

"A formal review in detail of your assistance was made 
to the Board, and the expressions of appreciation were so 
hearty for your generosity that no formal vote can express 
the sentiment of the Board extended to you. I beg leave, 
therefore, to add the expression hereby extended in addition 
to the formal action of the Board. 

"Very truly yours," 
(Signed by the Secretary.) 

272 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

One case of goods, sent out from the rooms in 
Boston but representing many parts of the field, 
called forth the following remarks between the head 
of the organization receiving them, and an assistant: 

"Comforts Forwarding Committee — what a sym- 
bolic name!" 

"Who are they?" 

"The Christian Scientists; and their garments are 
so well made, so carefully pressed and so exactly 
folded and packed, they are a comfort to the first 
person who handles them, and the comfort is for- 
warded." 

"Well, I shall never again allow anyone in my 
presence to say a single word against them." 

Before disbanding, this was practically the attitude 
of every organization handling the work. Generosity, 
bigness of conception, responsibility, reliability be- 
came indissolubly connected with the Scientists as a 
body, in the minds of other war workers. Nor was 
this all; opportunities for doing little kindnesses for 
other organizations ; helping them fill some order too 
large for their unaided accomplishment; assisting in 
the establishment of some organization just strug- 
gling into existence, by a loan, a gift, or a friendly 
word of encouragement, became a recognized function. 
Yes, the Christian Scientists have given added proof 
that theirs is a religion of love in the little as well as 
the big things, and they have made friends, not in 
pro price personce, but as Scientists. 

A third important method of distribution was in 
response to the calls that came direct from the camps, 
hospitals, embarkation ports, and even the craft about 
to sail. The Massachusetts War Relief Committee 
bulletin of July 18, 1918, contains this report: 

273 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE AVAR 

"A supply sergeant of a company which was to leave for 
France in a few days came to one of our Camp Welfare 
Workers in much distress, because he had found that the 
Red Cross supplies, distributed through the Camp Quarter- 
master; had run short and he was in pressing need of a large 
number of sweaters and socks. Our Worker telephoned to 
the Comforts Forwarding Committee (Christian Scientists), 
Boston, and the next day a huge box containing the required 
fifty sweaters and seventy-five pairs of socks arrived, and 
was delivered, to the great amazement of the supply sergeant. 
Needless to say he was very grateful. All the men who have 
received them speak of the superior quality and softness of 
the 'Christian Science socks.' " 

This was an activity in which many of the Com- 
mittees participated, particularly in those cities near 
which such camps were located. Thus the Comforts 
Forwarding Rooms throughout the country formed a 
chain of supply houses, or "happiness factories," as 
one newspaper called them. The combined material 
history of what those Committees accomplished will 
never be written, but the spirit of the work, the 
quickened love, and the softened, sweetened thought 
when the note of appreciation came from the re- 
cipients, have made their ineffaceable imprint upon 
the consciousness of every worker. If each member 
of a Committee has thus profited by the experience, 
who can estimate its value to the entire Christian 
Science organization in the community, and therefore 
to the Christian Science cause as a whole? 

One day sixty-five boys were fitted out by a local 
Committee. We quote from the report : 

"One of the boys, whose father is a well-known ex-minister 
and whose mother is a prominent club woman here, made this 
statement to his parents : 'Father, you and mother could buy 

274 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

mo all that I need; but there is not money enough in this 
city to buy the love that was expressed in those rooms today.' 
Both the father and the mother had previously been opposed 
to Christian Science, yet the father called upon the Com- 
mittee the following Monday morning to give us this mes- 
sage, and his acknowledgment of the work done here shows 
that much more is being accomplished than merely the giving 
out of knitted garments." 

It was the pleasure of one Committee to provide a 
neighboring hospital with well-filled comfort bags, 
made of red, white and blue sateen. At the Thanks- 
giving dinner they formed the principal table decora- 
tion, one being placed at each plate. 

It was in another hospital, supplied with comfort 
bags, that a boy in the tubercular ward said, "We sure 
need a little brightness in here, and these bags are so 
bright and pretty." 

Knitted garments, bags, etc., for two hundred men 
were placed in the care of the chaplain on a ship, to 
be distributed by him on Christmas day, when the 
men would be well at sea. 

From a southern camp came the following letter: 

"Mesdames: I have been so very busy in these last two 
weeks that until this time I haven't had an opportunity to 
thank you for that very wonderful kit you sent me. You 
cannot know what that sweater has meant and will mean 
during the winter months here. The nights, even at this time 
of year, have been very cold. And I am using every other 
thing you sent me — in fact the first button I've had on my 
clothes, once they are off, can be accredited to the influence 
of that little sewing kit. 

"I have a younger brother who hasn't the nerve to ask for 
anything in this world except his breakfast, and he's usually 
hungry — but he's been wondering if you would consider send- 

275 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

ing him something in the line of what you sent me — especially 
those warm socks and a sweater. He's a private and does 
much guard work, so that the nights catch him colder than 
me. I'll thank you and he will too. 

"Yours is a wonderful work, and the boys all love you for 
it. I'm coming over to thank you in person when this thing 
is finished." 

From the captain of a ship came this cheering 
report : 

"I wish to express my appreciation of the gift of a lovely 
comforter which was left on board by the Camp Welfare 
Worker. 

"The Comforts Forwarding Committee have supplied the 
officers and men of the 'Bridge' repeatedly with articles of 
this design, in addition to helmets, sweaters, knitted socks, 
and other garments that have added greatly to our comfort 
and efficiency. The kind thoughts that have come with these 
gifts have been of particular value to us and we have felt 
from the first that our ship is a good deal of a Science ship." 

From a lieutenant on another ship : 

"I wish also to assure you of the appreciation on the part 
of all hands of the work which the Christian Science Comforts 
Committee has been doing. At the instance of a brother 
officer, the officers and crew of this ship have been the re- 
cipients of several hundred sweaters, helmets, wristlets, socks, 
etc., which were sorely needed, how much so none who have 
not done winter duty in the fleet, can have the slightest con- 
ception. Also I am more than persuaded that the Christian 
Science pamphlets accompanying the various articles have 
sown the seed of truth much more widely and deeply than 
might at first be supposed." 

From the Eoanoke comes this report : 
"Dear Friends: Now that the Roanoke is about to start 
on its mission, I wish to express my gratitude and the appre- 

276 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

ciation of the officers and crew for the many good things 
which you and the other Committees have done for the happi- 
ness and comfort of our ship. We gave out the knitted goods 
to the crew on Saturday, and the boys said that they have 
never had such fine sweaters and socks as those furnished 
through your Committees. In my position as one of the 
censors, I have read with a great deal of interest and pleasure 
the kind expressions toward Christian Science and Christian 
Scientists which they have made in writing home to their 
relatives and friends." 

It is to a southern camp that we are indebted for 
the following letter : 

"No mention of the activities would be complete without 
tribute to the dear ladies who have made the boys so many 
knitted goods and comforts. Oh, if they could only see the 
happiness these things brought to the boys, their many hours 
of work would surely seem to be repaid. How often have I 
wished that some of you could hear the gratitude the boys 
have expressed for these things. How they were touched by 
the quality of the things. Just like Mother would have wanted 
to give them. And how gently they would handle the things. 
It seemed to bring them that touch of mother love that they 
craved. Oh, but I am glad that those articles were made 
without thought of cost and with but one thought and that 
was love. And the boys understood, and the message the 
comforts carried in their gentleness woke many a boy to a 
desire for higher and finer things than he knew before, and 
led him to learn the religion of love. We never can guess 
the good these comforts have done, for they were sent out 
with a sustaining thought that led and comforted." 

From a Camp Worker: 

"We received 313 sweaters, 536 pairs of wristers, 461 hel- 
mets, 500 pairs of socks, and 36 scarfs. . . . The issue of 
these comforts broke down all prejudice against Christian 
Science and has opened the way for our Committee. In fact, 

277 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

just to hear the name Christian Science brings words of 
gratitude from every man and opens all doors to us." 

The following letter from a hospital worker might 
have been addressed to the field in general : 

"The Comforts Forwarding Committee has already sup- 
plied us with over two hundred of its sweater vests, and is 
giving us more each week. These vests have been received 
with eagerness and appreciation by the men, who have said 
repeatedly : 'This is the best gift we could have. Whoever saw 
anything so fine.' A frequent exclamation is, 'Do tell the 
ladies who make them that we sure are grateful.' 

"The labels on the garments, telling in what city they 
were made, have served to bring much brightness. Shouts such 
as : 'A lady in Houston, Texas, made mine for me' ; 'A lady 
in Los Angeles made mine'; 'Mine came from a lady in Chi- 
cago,' and so on, filled the rooms one day as we were dis- 
tributing these garments. 

"More than two hundred and twenty-five men, twenty- 
seven medical officers, including a colonel and a major, seven 
women nurses and five reconstruction workers are now wear- 
ing these garments. 

"Since serving as a War Relief Worker, I have appre- 
ciated more deeply than before, the loving ministry that is 
being accomplished by the Forwarding Committee. Its work 
has not been confined merely to caring for human needs, for 
large numbers of men who have received the 'comforts' have 
earnestly inquired about the spiritual teaching of Christian 
Science, often saying, 'I want to know more about God.' To 
such our literature has been given, and later these boys 
have asked for the textbook and for treatment. With deep 
thankfulness I have observed that the sweater vests, blanket 
wrappers, and afghans which have been given to me to dis- 
tribute have brought much more than human warmth to our 
noble lads, for they have had part in leading the thoughts 
of these boys upward to the love of God, there to feel the 
healing touch of Truth." 

278 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

In addition to the letters from officers and War 
Relief Workers, many were received from individuals, 
whose gratitude compelled expression. The following 
excerpt bore four signatures. 

"We, the undersigned, do hereby express to you our grate- 
ful and heartfelt appreciation of the gracious favors and gifts 
so recently bestowed on and sent to us. And when our com- 
fort is enhanced by the wearing of the several articles, we 
shall think much and many times of the loving and useful 
service being rendered our Cause and the boys upholding that 
Cause, by the Christian Scientists of the United States of 
America ; for such unselfish and sincere efforts can only tend 
to bring to us the more speedily a just and lasting peace 
achieved by a decisive victory." 

"Dear Friends : The two outfits which you sent to my 
brother and me arrived Saturday. Words are inadequate 
when it comes to expressing our gratitude for your good- 
ness and kindness. From the bottom of our hearts we thank 
you. 

"My brother is a very quiet boy and does not say much, 
so I am taking this opportunity to speak for both of us. 
Even if he does not say much, he appreciates the thoughtful- 
ness and graciousness of good friends very keenly. 

"This verbal response is a feeble acknowledgment of your 
gift, but to attest my feeling, I promise you that I shall make 
a constant and earnest endeavor to know the truth, and do 
the will of God, and help others to do likewise. Accept our 
thanks, our love and our best wishes." 

"Your package of comforts has arrived, and filled a much 
needed want. If the various people who knitted these things 
could only see for themselves the amount of comfort I derive 
from their use, and could hear the words of appreciation that 
we say among ourselves, I feel quite sure they would say that 
their labor had not been in vain. 

279 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"If one of the boys who is a Scientist, had not told me of 
the work you are doing, I would not be able to extend to you 
ray thanks ; and if you are doing for others as for me, quietly 
and efficiently, I feel I owe you a tribute beyond the expres- 
sion of thanks. 

"I hope at some future day to procure a Science and 
Health. If this is your religion I want to know more about it." 

"Just a word of appreciation for the soft, wonderful, 
woolen knitted goods, I received some time ago. A soldier 
with such an equipment as you sent me is surely a happy man. 

"The socks are not of the cumbersome, thick style; the 
sweater vest so neat and comfortable in comparison with 
others seen; the skullcap so comfortable at night; and 
wristlets and stormhood of the softest, nicest work I have 
ever seen. 

"It is truly a pleasure to wear such equipment. It is just 
in line with everything else good that comes through Chris- 
tian Science." 

That the work of the Comforts Forwarding Com- 
mittee was doing much toward meeting the needs of 
the boys in this country; that it was touching their 
hearts and winning their appreciation; nay, more, 
that it was bringing to them big evidences of a divine, 
efficacious Love, was apparent. The silent influx of 
love expressed told more than words could say. 

The individual responses to silent influence would 
have been a sufficiently gratifying recompense to the 
workers, but justice demanded in addition a more 
official recognition. 

The following letter from one of the Christian 
Science War Relief Workers stationed near a camp 
tells an important story — a story typical of what took 
place in many government posts. 

"As an expression of our gratitude for the help received 

280 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

from the Comforts Forwarding Committee (Christian Scien- 
tists) of Boston, we are sending the following experience as 
one of the many proofs we have had that your work was 
appreciated. 

"When the camp was established here, our committee, to- 
gether with other welfare organizations, commenced our work 
amongst the boys, but found very few who were interested at 
all in what we were trying to do for them. In fact, when the 
epidemic broke out here, we were told by the Post Com- 
mander that no welfare workers would be allowed in camp 
until the epidemic was over. These orders were very emphatic. 

"Twelve days later a shipment of knitted garments, con- 
sisting of a sweater, helmet, pair of wristers and two pairs 
of socks for every man in the camp was received from your 
Committee. These garments were delivered to the Company 
Commander, and at noon of that day we were informed over 
the telephone that the Post Commander wished us to come 
out to the camp immediately, as he had never seen such a 
splendid array of knitted goods, and that while the men were 
all lined up in front of the Company office to receive the 
goods, he felt that we should see the goods for ourselves and 
be present at the distribution. Upon arrival at the camp we 
were met by the Post Commander and Company Commander 
and congratulated upon these goods. 

"The men were then given the outfits and appreciated them 
very much, as the winter uniforms and overcoats had not 
been issued, and the nights were very cold. 

"Since that time, even during the epidemic, we have been 
allowed to go anywhere in the camp and help many of the 
boys, who now knew that we were there to help them and not 
to preach to them. For months after this, and even yet, the 
boys will tell us how much Christian Science has done for 
them, and how they feel that these knitted garments saved 
many of them. To the men in the service here Christian 
Science has come to stand for that which helps and brings 
joy and comfort." 

281 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

In a newspaper published in a western city 
appeared one day the following article: 

"They moved in very quietly. They didn't celebrate by 
tooting horns or throwing confetti. In fact they didn't say a 
word about it, but if you are doing any window shopping you 
will find them at 121 North First Street. The window display 
of well-made little garments holds the interest, and the neat 
sign on the unobtrusive gray cardboard is self-explanatory, 
'Comforts Forwarding Committee (Christian Scientists).' 
You go in because you can't stay out. That expression, 'Com- 
forts Forwarding,' is one of the most appealing things in a 
day's hunt for a story. Inside there are space and light and 
simplicity. A few feathery wild grasses for desk decoration, 
a flag on the wall, work everywhere, and bright-faced women, 
one of whom says with a smile, 'It is joyful work.' Somehow 
you seem to have sensed that 'comforts forwarding' must be 
joyful work — and now you know it. It is a labor of love." 

At the entrance to the workroom of the Comforts 
Forwarding Committee in one of the large cities, there 
were forty boxes, filled with cut garments to be made, 
each box bearing the name of the captain of a unit, 
and this reminder: 

"As Christian Scientists, our garments should be garments 
of praise made in the spirit of holiness, so let perfection, not 
numbers, be our object." 

A thing is a thought made manifest; the value of 
an article is exactly the value of the thought behind it. 
Just so far as individual members of the Comforts 
Forwarding Committee lived and worked in the heal- 
ing consciousness, so far every garment made carried 
with it the healing truth — the truth that destroys 
erroneous concepts of every name and nature, and sets 
the human understanding free. 

It is not strange then, but supremely natural, that 

282 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

our friends in the medical profession began to see a 
great light. To the wonderful results in this direction, 
accomplished by the War Relief and Camp Welfare 
Committees, the labors of the women made no small 
addition. It was a medical officer who asked for a 
sweater vest to send to his son in another camp, and 
in return asked if he could not in some way help the 
Welfare Worker. Not long after, this same doctor 
requested that The Christian Science Monitor be 
placed on his desk daily. It was another member of 
the medical profession in the same camp who said, 
"You people do make the loveliest things," and a 
third, to whom a sweater vest had been given, who, as 
he was leaving the post to return to his duties as 
Health Commissioner in one of our large cities, said 
he would always have a kind feeling for Christian 
Science and Christian Scientists, and that as Health 
Officer he knew he could always understand them 
better. From another physician came the happy state- 
ment that he never heard any criticism of Christian 
Science any more in the staff meetings ; that, in fact, 
many kind remarks were made, and he was right then 
studying Mrs. Eddy's works. 

It may be of interest to the field to know that the 
most advanced facilities were available for the Com- 
forts Forwarding work. Not only did electric irons, 
electric sewing machines and knitting machines help 
to quicken the work, but when a detachment of men 
ordered overseas were found to be in need of "com- 
forts" fifteen complete outfits were hurried to them by 
aeroplane. Nor was it a mere coincidence that the pilot 
of the plane was a devout Christian Scientist. 

As long as the boys were "over here," however much 
one deprecated the training camp experiences, there 

283 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

was still the consciousness that as compared with for- 
eign service, they were still at home. The arms of the 
Mother-land were around them. The usual methods of 
communication were available; personal gifts, and 
even personal visits, possible. It was when they left 
for "over there" that the father and the mother 
awaited eagerly the first letter announcing their ar- 
rival; and how happily they noted that either before 
sailing or immediately on landing, their depleted out- 
fits had been replenished by the Comforts Forward- 
ing Committee. Sometimes gratitude to this Commit- 
tee compelled a letter from the parents themselves. 
Of the many received from the boys, the following 
will serve as a sample : 

"Somewhere in France. 
"August 1, 1918. 
"Dear Friends : 

"This is the first opportunity I have had to thank you for 
the kind gifts I received from your Committee last February. 
The weather here is rather chilly at night, and as most of my 
work is done under cover of darkness, I cannot help appre- 
ciating the value of warm clothing. 

"One of the ladies of your society was kind enough to call 
my attention to the 91st Psalm, and although I've had lots 
of spare time in which to investigate the benefits which she 
claimed were to be derived from reading it, I have not done 
so until today, much to my regret. There was in it a message 
of calm confidence and trust in a Being whom I had known 
but little in my childhood, and in whose existence I have not 
had the slightest faith as I grew older. But war is a great 
school, and I am considerably wiser today. 

"I derived special comfort from the fifth and seventh verses, 
and they will no doubt be my guiding stars when I get at close 
quarters with old Fritz. So I wish to thank that kind lady 
most cordially for a good tip. 

284 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

"I am with the 806th Machine Gun Battalion, Company 
B, and I am going to make it a point to visit your Committee 
in person as soon as I get back home, and thank the ladies 
for their ceaseless efforts in behalf of the young men who are 
just starting on their military careers. 

"Trusting that this visit may be in the very near future, 

I am, 

"Respectfully yours." 

In the matter of individual distribution on the other 
side, our Canadian sisters naturally led the way, their 
work having commenced with the beginning of the 
war. Although their activities were quite distinct from 
those of the Comforts Forwarding Committee of the 
United States, the following account from Toronto 
shows the same animating spirit, proving again that 
Truth is one and indivisible, and unified in the quali- 
ties expressing it. It is a pleasure to incorporate here 
this incomplete story of what was accomplished by 
some of our neighbor Scientists : 

"Our activity grew from an Overseas Box Committee or- 
ganized by members of First and Third Churches of Christ, 
Scientist, Toronto, in the early part of the war, and which 
eventually became a very prominent activity of the Comforts 
Forwarding Committee, consisting of sending individual 
boxes of food and comforts to approximately one hundred 
soldiers a month. In this list were many American residents 
who had enlisted in the Canadian army. We sent our last 
shipment in October, 1918, to our full list of boys, for Christ- 
mas, numbering between three and four hundred. In acknowl- 
edgment of this work we continually received letters of grati- 
tude, from boys not only in England and France, but far- 
away Russia ; also from a group of five Belgian soldiers whose 
desperate need became known to a member of our Committee. 

"A company of two hundred men for the Siberian Expe- 
ditionary Force were supplied, each with a sleeveless jacket 

285 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

and two pairs of socks, on ten days' notice, just before em- 
barking. Another instance of our being able to answer a hur- 
ried call for comforts, was a request from the Navy League 
for seven sleeveless jackets or sweaters and helmets, for the 
officers on a British Merchant Marine just arrived at Hali- 
fax, and who were recovering from illness. This request came 
from the Navy League only after trying to secure these com- 
forts from every other Committee supplying comforts for the 
soldiers. They were then told to try the Christian Scientists, 
as they seemed to be the only organization prepared to fill 
such a need after the armistice was signed. The League 
showed its appreciation of our quick response by dropping a 
donation in our contribution box. The following day they 
asked for supplies for two more sick officers, of these 'splen- 
did vests and helmets,' and sent another contribution with the 
messenger who came for them. 

"Our branches in Kitchener, London, Hamilton, Windsor 
and Oshawa helped us in such a splendid way, that our total 
output of garments, new and secondhand, amounted to 
approximately eight thousand five hundred, exclusive of our 
shipments of overseas boxes." 

Just as individual knitting and sewing on this side 
of the water gave way to the united activity of a great 
organization like the Comforts Forwarding Commit- 
tee, so the nature and volume of the work demanded a 
strong, efficient, and in every sense cooperative organi- 
zation on the other side. This was supplied by the 
Comite Franpais de la Christian Science pour les Se- 
cours de Guerre. The arrangement was ideal. Each 
Committee was in a measure a raison d'etre for the 
Other; each the other's incentive. Through the inter- 
vention of the Comite Franpais the French Minister 
of Commerce and the Minister of Blockade and Lib- 
erated Regions, in Paris, granted the necessary license 
for the landing of thirty tons monthly of our material ; 

286 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

and in reply to a circular letter sent out by our French 
Committee to Prefects, Senators, Deputies, Mayors, 
etc., in the invaded regions, asking for definite infor- 
mation in regard to the needs of the people, had come 
scores of appealing and appreciative replies. 

Shipping space must be found. The matter was 
taken up with the French High Commission in New 
York, but without immediate results. The French 
Embassy was approached, but while there was an evi- 
dent desire to help, there seemed to be no way of over- 
stepping the Commission which had authority over all 
transportation. During the discussion with the Em- 
bassy, there was present the captain of a fleet of 
twelve French mine-sweepers, who offered space on 
his boats provided the Ambassador approved of it. 
Approval was given, and as the boats were to sail from 
Boston, they were especially convenient for loading. 
Sailing not as a squadron, but at different times, two 
were scheduled to leave in December. On them were 
loaded one hundred fifty of the five hundred cases of 
clothing then ready. They put out to sea, proved 
unseaworthy, and in two or three days returned to 
port, to await an uncertain future. It was then that the 
French High Commission took up the matter, and 
granted space on some merchant vessels under French 
control. The shipments were as follows : 

129 cases, February, 1919, via Steamer Hassel. 
125 cases, April, 1919, via West Elcasco. 
240 cases, May, 1919, via Caxambu. 
65 cases, July, 1919, via West Elcasco. 

Before the garments were packed in the cases at 
Boston, they were firmly tied in bundles of two, five or 
ten, each bundle bearing a label stating the nature, 

287 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

number and size of the garments. The same care, 
orderliness and system which characterized the pack- 
ing, were exercised in the distribution of the clothing 
among the refugees. The cases were landed at La Pal- 
lice, Le Havre or Bordeaux, and generally forwarded, 
by railroad or canal, to Paris. There they were re- 
ceived by the Christian Science War Relief Commit- 
tee, together with a descriptive list of the contents of 
each case. From Paris they were sent to the various 
Prefects, Deputies, Mayors, etc., for distribution. To 
avoid the confusion, loss and misfits consequent upon 
the opening of cases out of doors, none were for- 
warded from Paris until official guarantee of a suit- 
able housing place had been received. 

Several consignments were made to Monsieur Rin- 
guier, Mayor of St. Quentin and Deputy of the Aisne. 
His circumscription comprised many villages, and the 
inhabitants were destitute of everything. By special 
arrangement the cases were sent directly from Le 
Havre to St. Quentin, where a large depot was pre- 
pared for their reception. Madame Ringuier herself, 
with a splendid corps of assistants, mostly women, 
prepared the garments for distribution. Numbered 
cards were issued, 'requiring each family to state of 
whom it was comprised, and what help had already 
been received from other sources. The following 
poster announcing a distribution in St. Quentin, was 
profusely and conspicuously placed. 

ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF POSTER 

Free Distribution 

of 

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE 

"Under the auspices of Madame Ringuier, 5, rue Mariolle. 

288 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

"The Committee Lyon-Saint-Quentin has received in three 
days, May 26, 27, 28, 2,242 applications from families, repre- 
senting about 10,000 persons. The 2,242 numbered tickets 
were remitted to Mme. Ringuier, Thursday, May 29, at the 
time she was finishing the inventory of the cases destined to 
the town of St. Quentin, the total of which amounted to 
13,233 articles. The distribution will take place according to 
series of 200 from the 16th to the 29th of June. 

"There are many garments for girls, exactly 6,942 articles, 
which are classified according to ages: 1,774 dresses, 2,305 
underdresses, 489 aprons, 1,256 drawers, 749 chemises, etc. 
This is the most important lot and it comprises many pretty 
things. 

"On the other hand there are few garments for men. Out 
of the 3,791 articles, there are 3,108 pairs of socks, 524 
sweaters, etc. 

"For the women we have a lot of 1,075 articles : 105 mati- 
nees, 147 blankets and 463 pretty winter dressing gowns. 

"For the boys there are 1,425 various articles. 

"These figures show that we are obliged to give more to 
the cards where there are girls, thus reducing the share of the 
papas and mammas in order to make up the packages for 
the families where there are no girls. 

"We wish to state that the packages are made up accord- 
ing to the size of the family and following category : 

"1st, Persons who have never received anything. 

"2d, Those who have already received, and 

"3d, Those who have already received from several chari- 
ties. 

"This goes to explain that the packages will not be as 
important for the families composed of many people. 

"We have in reserve 100 magnificent layettes which will be 
distributed as births occur at the Maternity Ward of the 
Hotel Dicu. 

"There are few shoes to distribute for we have sent the 

289 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

galoches with wooden soles to some of the villages instead of 
garments. 

"All the pretty things, which are absolutely new, we owe to 
the generosity of the Christian Science ladies, whom Mme. 
Ringuier has thanked in the name of the population. 

"Persons should keep their numbered tickets, which will 
serve for the drawing of the 15 sewing machines. 

"The making of the packages is progressing satisfactorily 
and we can begin the distribution Monday, June 16, and 
continue every day from 4 to 6.30 p.m. until the 2,242 pack- 
ages are exhausted. 

"To avoid all pushing, we will distribute a series of 200 
packages a day. As the prepared packages are piled up one 
above the other, we are obliged to follow in order. The first 
75 numbers of the series must be presented between 4 and 
5 p.m. ; the following 75, between 5 and 6, and the last 50 
between 6 and 6.30 p.m. 

"In this way no time will be lost. 

"NO PUSHING (Stand in line, please). 

"ORDER OF THE DISTRIBUTION ACCORDING TO 
SERIES OF 200. 



"Every Day from 


[ 4 to 6.30 p.im 


[. 




"Monday 


June 16 


Series 


1 


to 


200 


"Tuesday 


June 17 


Series 


201 


to 


400 


"Wednesday 


June 18 


Series 


401 


to 


600 


"Thursday 


June 19 


Series 


601 


to 


800 


"Friday 


June 20 


Series 


801 


to 


1000 


"Saturday 


June 21 


Series 


1001 


to 


1200 


"Monday 


June 23 


Series 


1201 


to 


1400 


"Tuesday 


June 24 


Series 


1401 


to 


1600 


"Wednesday 


June 25 


Series 


1601 


to 


1800 


"Thursday 


June 26 


Series 


1801 


to 


2000 


"Friday 


June 27 


Series 


2001 


to 


2242 



"The drawing of the 15 sewing machines will take place 
Sunday, June 29, at 10 o'clock, under the peristyle of the 

290 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

theater. Only the members of the commissions will have access 
to the steps. 

"The commission will be composed of Messrs. Ringuier, 
Tricotteaux and Charles Deschamps, Counsellors of the Ar- 
rondissements, and. the persons who happen to have the cards 
bearing numbers 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600, 
1800, 2000, 2200 are requested to join them as witnesses. 

"The 15 winning numbers will be immediately posted up." 

This incident in St. Quentin, at which members of 
the Christian Science War Relief Committee were 
present, was typical of the dignified method of dis- 
tribution of all the refugee garments of the Comforts 
Forwarding Committee ; and it is interesting to note 
that even the poster announced that it was to be a dis- 
tribution of Christian Science,, although it is hardly to 
be supposed that the authors thereof realized the truth 
of the statement. It is evident that the loving, comfort- 
ing thoughts of this Committee accompanied the 
garments. 

It was the desire of the War Relief Committee to 
send the Comforts Forwarding articles where they 
were most needed. One such place was Nantes, the 
fifth largest city in France. Already burdened with its 
own poor, the distress and suffering were greatly in- 
creased by the large number of refugees allotted to it 
because of its size. In addition to many cases of cloth- 
ing which were sent here and apportioned to the fami- 
lies where instant relief was needed, ten cases of uncut 
flannel were given to the Society for the Aid of 
Widows and Orphans. Headquarters were opened, 
and the women who could work came there and them- 
selves made garments from the flannel — a bit of con- 
structive work with value. 

Another industry in which the material of the Com- 

291 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

forts Forwarding Committee played its part, was that 
established by the Marquise de Lagrange for the 
women of Brittany. Desiring to interest the women in. 
knitting, she had opened a little place, but was finan- 
cially unable properly to equip it. With help given 
by the Christian Science War Relief Committee, it 
was possible to hire larger quarters and install machin- 
ery. Twelve cases of Comforts Forwarding yarn, real 
yarn, wool, such as could not then be bought in France, 
were donated, and a genuine industry started. The 
women were paid for their labor, and the output sent 
to Paris to be sold. This tricotage, open to all classes, 
has proved a special blessing to the many women 
whose social position and circumstances before the 
war, made it most difficult for them to adjust them- 
selves to the only other means of livelihood open to 
them. The Marquise herself paved the way by per- 
sonally running a machine. This industry has come 
to stay, and although one can hardly forecast its 
future, as compared with the many jittle factories 
composed of a few hand machines installed under a 
canvas covering, in the midst of ruins where German 
prisoners have shoveled away the debris, it promises 
much ; and its comforts seem destined to be forwarded 
indefinitely. 

This account of overseas distribution is but a sales- 
man's sample. Over one hundred and forty thousand 
new garments were sent through the Boston head- 
quarters to the Committee in France, and placed with 
phenomenal care. The letters of acknowledgment 
which have been received from the beneficiaries are 
many and sincere. To read them is to obtain the truest 
definition of war. Though they tell of destruction, suf- 
fering and gaunt want, they are so appreciative, so 

292 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

redolent with gratitude, that the tear of grief is almost 
dissolved in that of j oy . For the present we are com- 
pelled to let the few lines that follow speak for all : 

"From the Mayor of Ribemont, District of Saint- 
Quentin : 

"In behalf of the necessitous population of Ribemont, the 
task of telling you how much the different articles, which you 
were kind enough to send to our commune, are appreciated, is 
an agreeable one. 

"How many of these articles fill urgent needs, and how 
concerned are our unhappy people, having lost everything 
through the invasion of the enemy. Many of them have found 
absolutely nothing of what they possessed before the war, 
furniture, linen, clothes, kitchen utensils — everything has 
disappeared. Thus you see with what eager eyes each looks 
on what he can obtain through your generosity. 

"Rest assured that the name of Christian Science will come 
to the lips of each one, as sentiments of kindness, mutual aid 
and solidarity are evoked. . . ." 

From the Countess de Mareuil : 

"I found your Committee's address in the parcels given me 
for the devastated village of Boullancourt, and I thank you 
with all my heart for your kindness. 

"We had there an estate and a castle which are entirely 
destroyed, so that we cannot further help the 150 people of 
the little village. A dozen families have already come back, 
and during this cold weather are living in the ruins of our 
cellars, preferring to suffer anything rather than lose the 
chance to sow wheat in two months. Their love for the soil 
will save this little bit of France, and our own land for my 
three children. You can infer how much your generosity was 
needed. They will bless your name forever. 

"It is awful for the race to suffer after having shed almost 
the last drop of blood, and your warm clothes will save more 
than one of these little fellows. . . . 

293 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"The boches stole our furniture (it was old and fine) before 
the place was destroyed ; they cut our trees, also, so that we 
cannot help our poor peasants. . . . But all of us have suf- 
fered for France with a willing heart, and we thank God for 
the kind friends who have done so much for us. . . ." 

The holocaust is over. The treaty of peace has been 
signed. The Comforts Forwarding Committee was a 
tender arm spontaneously held out to help a needy 
world. Its immediate purpose has been served and the 
organization dissolved. What did it accomplish ? Meas- 
ured by figures as follows: 

Total number of garments distributed by the 
Comforts Forwarding Committee from Decem- 
ber 1, 1917, to May 1, 1919 1,223,793 

Note. — Of this quantity, 904,101 garments were 
distributed by the Boston Committee, while 
the remaining 319,692 articles were distributed 
by the local Committees direct. 

Included in the articles distributed by the Boston 

Committee were the following: 
Knitted goods and other comforts given to men 

in service 191,848 

Double-faced eider down vests . . . . . 3,575 

Convalescent robes 4,009 

New shoes given to Italian War Relief Committee 1,151 

500 cases new garments shipped to Le Comite 
Francais de la Christian Science pour les 

Secours de Guerre 140,095 

Old and new garments distributed by the Boston 
Committee through local Relief organizations 

(note list below) . 563,423 

Cases uncut outing flannel, including cut but un- 
made garments and other bulk material . . 58 

Cases bulk yarn 12 

294 



A UNIQUE COMMITTEE 

Note. — Local Relief organizations referred to above : 
Sons of American Revolution (Minute Men Committee). 
British War Relief. 
American Fund for French Wounded. 
Italian War Relief Committee. 
Belgian War Relief Commission. 
Polish War Relief Committee. 
Serbian War Relief Committee. 
Society for Protection of Children of the Frontier. 
Quartermasters' Department, Washington (for Siberia). 
Wellesley College Unit. 
Smith College Unit. 

Having read these figures, what do they tell us? 
Very little, since algebra cannot compute or alchemy 
resolve them into the true substance of which they are 
the human expression. The mission of Christian Sci- 
ence is to heal and redeem and what was accomplished 
through this new and united labor "knoweth no man." 
It blessed not only those who have received but also 
those who have given, and each in proportion, not to 
the number of garments turned out, but to the clarity 
of the healing thought that lay behind them. This 
unique organization has ceased its outward activity 
and disbanded, but human ingenuity is powerless to 
nullify its invisible inspiration. That will continue 
to move forward through undivided space and un- 
counted time, carrying with it the comfort of the 
Christ-love and giving ''the garment of praise for the 
spirit of heaviness." 



295 



VIII 
TIMELY RECOGNITION 

In the New York World for February 5, 1918, there 
appeared the following editorial : 

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE NAVY 

"The appointment by Secretary Daniels of a Christian 
Scientist as navy chaplain denotes a significant change in 
the public attitude toward the faith founded by Mrs. Eddy. 

"Could such a selection of a spiritual adviser have been 
conceived of in Dewey's navy? Christian Science then and 
long after was anathema to the regular religious denomina- 
tions of the country. Legislation was invoked to restrain it, 
medical societies prosecuted its practitioners and it was made 
to bear the brunt of a powerful opposition everywhere. Now 
the Government gives it full recognition and accords its read- 
ers an equal status with the ministers of other creeds. Besides 
the navy chaplain, there are two Christian Science chaplains 
in the army. 

"So have the old antagonisms subsided and the earlier 
intolerance given way under the spirit of religious freedom. 
History has repeated itself once more and the new kirk has 
fought its way to a place alongside of the old kirk. It has 
been an interesting process, and the outcome is notable as an 
illustration of the liberalizing tendencies of modern opinion, 
whether religious or political." 

Such was the tolerant and friendly attitude with 
which the public as a whole accepted the appointment 
of Christian Science chaplains in the army and navy. 

296 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

When on April 6, 1917, the United States made 
the memorable decision which allied her with the other 
liberty-loving nations of the world, struggling for the 
preservation of freedom, Christian Scientists were not 
slow to respond to the call to arms. It was natural that 
they should wish to be represented in the Chaplain 
Corps and efforts were at once made towards securing 
official recognition of Christian Science chaplains, 
who should minister to the spiritual needs of men of 
their own faith. 

The appointment of Christian Scientists to this 
position was first made possible by an amendment to 
the Revised Statutes of the United States authorizing 
the President to commission twenty chaplains-at- 
large to represent those denominations not already 
included in the existing law. Prior to this chaplains 
were drawn from the membership of those churches 
united as The Federated Churches of Christ of Amer- 
ica, and the Roman Catholic Church, and all appli- 
cants were required to be ordained clergj^men. Not 
included in this list were several denominations which 
had many members in the service, and to meet their 
demands the Chaplain-at-large bill was introduced 
and passed by Congress and approved by the Presi- 
dent on October 26, 1917. The Committee of the 
House having this bill in charge recommended that 
these chaplains be given a roving commission not 
attaching them to any one regiment directly. The 
concluding paragraph of the order as passed by Con- 
gress was as follows : 

"Division commanders may apply to the Adjutant General 
of the Army for the services of chaplains-at-large of the 
Jewish, Christian Science, Eastern Catholic, Mormon, and 
Salvation Army denominations if they deem that there are 

297 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

sufficient numbers of the adherents of such faiths in their 
divisions to render chaplains-at-large necessary." 

This made it possible for the members of these denom- 
inations to have the services of a chaplain of their own 
faith and to have services conducted according to the 
tenets of their church. 

A person seeking a commission in the army as a 
chaplain must make application to the Adjutant Gen- 
eral in Washington. He must be a citizen of the 
United States over 21 and under 45 years of age; 
must be a graduate of a recognized college or univer- 
sity or able to pass an examination in certain subjects 
named by the Adjutant General; he must be in good 
physical health and is obliged to pass a thorough 
physical examination before an army medical officer, 
and must be endorsed and recommended by the gov- 
erning board of the denomination of which he is a 
member. The examining board reports its findings to 
the Adjutant General with recommendations, and if 
these are favorable to the applicant he is in due time 
given a commission with the rank of a first lieutenant. 
He wears the uniform of an officer with the proper 
insignia as stipulated by the Uniform Regulations. 
All chaplains with the exception of those of the Jewish 
faith wear a small Latin cross of silver or white metal 
as the insignia of their office. The Jewish chaplain 
wears a small six-pointed star. 

The first appointment of chaplains under the 
Chaplain-at-large act gave the Christian Scientists 
two, who were endorsed to the Secretary of War by 
the Christian Science Board of Directors. This was a 
timely and official recognition by the United States 
Government of the Christian Science movement. Mr. 

298 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

Edward W. Dickey of Los Angeles, California, and 
Mr. Martin F. Jackson of New York City were the 
first appointees, receiving their commissions in No- 
vember, 1917. On June 1, 1918, a third army chap- 
lain was announced, Mr. Walter S. Cross of Balti- 
more, Maryland. In August of the same year three 
additional appointments were made as follows: Mr. 
Gustavus S. Paine of Reno, Nevada, and Mr. Arthur 
C. Whitney and Mr. George R. Bonner, both of Bos- 
ton, Massachusetts. When a Chaplains' Training 
School was opened in October, 1918, at Camp Taylor, 
Kentucky, four Christian Scientists entered as candi- 
dates. Mr. William M. Bartlett of Concord, Massa- 
chusetts, and Mr. Harry K. Filler of Youngstown, 
Ohio, were graduated and received their commissions 
in November, 1918. Mr. Herbert W. Beck of Oak- 
land, California, was graduated about two weeks 
later and assigned to duty and Mr. Don C. Gilman 
of San Francisco, California, received a commission in 
the Reserve Officers' Corps and at once returned to 
civil life. 

Certain definite duties are prescribed for chaplains, 
probably chief of which is the maintenance of the 
morale of the men under their care. They are, of 
course, required to hold religious services whenever 
circumstances permit, being obliged only to hold those 
of the denomination to which they belong. In the case 
of Christian Science chaplains, however, their willing- 
ness to conduct undenominational services in addition 
to their own created a very favorable impression. 
Chaplains may hold classes for religious instruction, 
and must supervise the education of those who are 
deficient in the ordinary branches of learning. They 
are required to visit and comfort the sick and when 

299 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

their men are called into action the chaplain's place 
is with the wounded and in the dressing stations. The 
breadth of these regulations gave our chaplains wide 
latitude and enabled them to be of great service to 
their men. 

The Christian Science chaplains who were assigned 
to camps in this country held regular services in Y. M. 
C. A. huts. Of the first service in Camp Lee, Virginia, 
Chaplain Dickey wrote : 

"You will be interested to know that we held the first 
Christian Science service at Camp Lee last Sunday at 9 in 
the morning, more than two hundred officers and men being 
present. The attention paid to the reading by the entire 
congregation was remarkable. A Y. M. C. A. hut is never a 
very quiet place for a religious service, but on this occasion 
there was not the slightest disturbance. Many of those pres- 
ent were attending their first Christian Science service and 
one man asked for a copy of the textbook, another pro- 
nouncing it the best church service he had ever attended. The 
singing was splendid. Three Y. M. C. A. Secretaries remained 
in the room throughout the meeting and followed the reading 
with a Quarterly. I was assisted in the service by a private 
soldier, and am sure it brought a healing message." 

All Christian Scientists in camp, no matter to what 
unit attached, Infantry, Artillery or Engineers, were 
given leave to attend these services. The chaplains 
made the round of the camp each week, spending an 
appointed time with each battalion when the men 
could meet with them and procure literature and 
whatever help was necessary. They were given the 
freedom of quarantined areas and base hospitals, 
where Christian Science Monitors were distributed 
freely. Occasionally talks on Christian Science were 
given to the officers of the camp upon their own re- 

300 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

quest; and official government notice of services pub- 
lished in the "daily communique" were read at "for- 
mation" before every man in camp. At Wednesday 
evening meetings often a discussion of means of pro- 
tection against all possible enemy attack ensued, and 
men were thereby mentally armored for the strife 
before them. 

Whether in this country or overseas, among other 
duties the Christian Science chaplains gave lectures 
on current events, ran educational classes, gave magic 
lantern exhibitions, organized baseball teams, refereed 
sporting contests, acted as interlocutors in minstrel 
shows, arranged dances for enlisted men, sang in con- 
certs, erected Christmas trees, placed The Christian 
Science Monitor in Officers' Clubs and in Red Cross 
and Y. M. C. A. Rest Rooms, ran canteens, cooked 
for boys away from their mess on special detail, 
assisted as stretcher bearers, helped surgeons in first 
aid stations, carried messages back to Division Head- 
quarters, dug graves, laid boys away, conducted their 
burial services, took care of their valuables, wrote to 
the bereaved parents, joked with the boys who wanted 
to laugh and wept with those who would cry. Neces- 
sity really made the chaplain the mother of the army. 

The Christian Science Monitor became the chap- 
lain's first aid in action. It went over the top tucked 
away in many a boy's blouse. It was carried up in 
aeroplanes and down in submarines. It found a place 
in tanks and rode securely in caissons. It was first read 
as a spiritual comforter and then used as a material 
one, being spread between the blankets to keep its 
possessor warm. Boys who had fallen were wrapped in 
a blanket and given a Christian Science Monitor to 
read while a canned heat kit and a soup cube were 

301 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

being brought into action. Boys who went over the top 
carried no pack or blanket but upon gaining their 
objective, many a boy made a bed of a Christian 
Science Monitor to sleep on until supplies and 
relief could be brought up. During bombardment, if 
in the daytime, to take a Christian Science Monitor 
and quietly sit down by the roadside and read did 
much to stabilize the men of the command ; if at night 
to hum or whistle the air from one of our Leader's 
hymns had the same effect. 

Chaplain Dickey was first assigned to Camp 
Upton, New York. After a month's sojourn here he 
was transferred to Camp Lee, Virginia, where the 
80th Division was in training. When the Division 
went overseas in July, the chaplain accompanied it. 
They spent the month of August at the front with the 
British army just north of Amiens. Here the chap- 
lain did a good work in supplying Monitors to the 
front line troops — always finding them eager to re- 
ceive the paper which brought them news of home. 
He was transferred in September to duty with the 
91st Division, said to contain more Christian Scien- 
tists than any other one division, estimates ranging 
up to 1200 men. These troops were just being sent 
into active service and our chaplain, of course, accom- 
panied them, endeavoring to keep in touch with his 
men as much as the rapid movement of the troops per- 
mitted. That he was indeed in the right place at the 
right time the following from one of his letters will 
indicate : 

"Only recently I walked into a hospital to see a lieutenant 
who was very ill, and who was just making preparations to 
wire me for help. As far as he knew I was miles from his 
station. He had a splendid healing. On another occasion, I 

302 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

walked out of a wood and across a road to where a southern 
California regiment was encamped and hidden from enemy 
observation and walked into a soldier whom I had never seen 
and who was at that moment looking for me." 

After some weeks' service with the 91st, the chap- 
lain was sent back for rest and recuperation, turning 
over his duties to another Christian Scientist. He 
returned to this country after the signing of the armi- 
stice and has since had his honorable discharge from 
the army. 

Chaplain Jackson was first assigned to Camp Dix, 
New Jersey, and as it was early designated as an 
embarkation camp, he requested to be transferred 
overseas with the men among whom he had been work- 
ing, the 78th Division. This division arrived in France 
in August and was at once sent to the firing line, serv- 
ing forty-two days on the British front, twenty-one 
days at St. Mihiel and twenty-six days in the Ar- 
gonne, most of this time under direct fire, although 
also used for support and subjected only to indirect 
fire and night air raids. With it went our chaplain. 
He was assigned to a point located about in the center 
of the various units of the division. From here he 
went about at first on foot, then on a bicycle and later 
in an army car, delivering Christian Science litera- 
ture, especially the Monitor, to men in the various 
units and conducting or organizing Christian Science 
services for our boys. His senior chaplain wrote : 

"Allow me to express to you my appreciation of the way 
you have carried on your work throughout the division. In 
the face of very great difficulties you have been untiring and 
successful in getting to your men. You have set a very in- 
spiring example of devotion to the men in the trenches. 

"Your task is peculiarly difficult because of the fact that 

303 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

your men are scattered and you cannot throw yourself into 
the little group in which you live, and feel justified in for- 
getting all the rest of the division. In a way the ordinary 
battalion chaplain has an easier task. His men are always 
right at hand and he can get to them at a moment's notice." 

As the 78th saw so much active service, our chap- 
lain felt his first duty was to the men, and, although 
an officer, lived entirely with the "doughboys" in the 
war zone, eating, sleeping and marching with them. 

In one of his letters he says : 

"Aside from the incessant whizzing of shells and breaking 
of bombs overhead, I was gassed several times. I was caught 
in a barrage four times — once being held between two bar- 
rages for two hours and another time being knocked down 
by the concussion of high explosive shells and being the only 
one of several to come out of the 'salvo' unharmed. You will 
know by this I did my duty and was not a back area helper. 
I went 'over' with the last attack at the Bois des Loges and 
followed our division for three days going from Grand Pre 
almost to Sedan where we were relieved." 

When the armistice was declared this chaplain was 
cited by Headquarters and chosen for duty with the 
90th Division, having the freedom of the entire Army 
of Occupation for his field, however. He was located 
at Rerncastel on the Moselle, where he soon secured 
permission to open a Christian Science soldiers' read- 
ing room which was utilized by many of the men. 
Later reading rooms where Christian Science litera- 
ture could be obtained were also established under his 
supervision at Hillisheim, Daun, Zeltinger, Kinheim, 
Longkamp, Neumagen. 

"I had the pleasure," writes Chaplain Jackson, "of making 
the official picture for government record before a 'movie' 

304 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

camera of a religious service conducted back of the firing 
line. I stood on a tank reading from Science and Health with 
the Bible and Quarterly in my other hand and men grouped 
about me." 

When the division left for home he was trans- 
ferred to St. Nazaire, one of the principal embarka- 
tion ports for our armies in France, where he subse- 
quently rendered most efficient service during the 
days of final embarkation. 

The third Christian Science army chaplain, Mr. 
Walter S. Cross, received his commission on June 1, 
1918, and was ordered to report at Camp Stuart, Vir- 
ginia. He sailed for overseas the latter part of June, 
and on the trip across conducted services for the men 
on the deck of the steamer. Upon reporting at Gen- 
eral Headquarters he was assigned for duty with the 
89th Division, where Christian Science services were 
at once instituted, as well as those of an undenomina- 
tional nature. He was shortly transferred to the 27th 
Division, where he found a number of officers and 
enlisted men interested in Christian Science. Six men 
came a distance of seven kilometers to attend the 
services, so highly did they value them. Athletic activ- 
ity and some entertainment had been started, when the 
men were called into active service at the front. This 
division was cited for excellent work in the battle of 
the Salle, near Le Cateau. Their losses were very 
slight, the chaplain helping and encouraging them 
throughout the engagement. 

After the signing of the armistice this division 
moved to the Le Mans area and the chaplain became 
active in helping the men in that district, beginning 
Christian Science services at the Forwarding Camp 

305 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

where there were some 40,000 men and at the Belgian 
Camp where there were about 20,000. In one of his 
letters he says : 

"At the Forwarding Camp two Y. M. C. A. girls have 
been a great help. They are both devoted students of Chris- 
tian Science and alternated as Second Reader when no one 
else in camp was available." 

This gives an interesting glimpse of the accomplish- 
ments of the women workers overseas. 

In August, 1918, three additional Christian Science 
chaplains in the army received their appointments. 
Of these, one, Mr. Gustavus S. Paine, was assigned 
for work at Camp Devens, Massachusetts. Here he 
was able to cooperate with the representatives of the 
War Relief Committee who had been working in this 
cantonment for a number of months. The Christian 
Science Board of Directors provided him with an 
automobile to enable him to get about the camp more 
readily and as he said in one of his letters : 

"I made it a point never to ride alone, even on my rounds 
of the camp, but always picked up someone going in my 
direction, including doctors, nurses, officers, privates and 
chaplains." 

His duties, like those of the other chaplains, included 
providing for or overseeing wholesome entertainment 
for the boys and on account of its proximity to Boston 
he was able to secure some excellent talent for the 
Y. M. C. A. programs. Christian Science services were 
of course conducted under his supervision and much 
help extended to the men in uniform. With the sign- 
ing of the armistice, the aspect of the work at Camp 
Devens was much altered and in consequence he 
received his discharge on December 19, 1918. 

306 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

The third chaplain appointed in August, 1917, Mr. 
Arthur C. Whitney, received orders to sail for France 
almost immediately and upon his arrival was assigned 
as chaplain at the Army Schools near Langres. After 
a short stay at that point he was transferred on Octo- 
ber 5, to the 91st Division, in active service in Bel- 
gium. In this Belgian campaign our army operated 
in conjunction with the British, French and Belgian 
under the command of the King of Belgium, being 
used four times in support of the French in the battle 
of the Lys-Scheldte. The division went into action 
itself on October 31, remaining until November 10, at 
which date they had reached the town of Hoorbeke- 
St-Corneille. It is of interest to note that the division 
was cited for its successful work. 

Of our chaplain's part in this advance his captain 
wrote as follows: 

"Chaplain Whitney marched with me at the head of my 
company through heavy shell fire when we marched into posi- 
tion for the attack. His calm and encouraging remarks helped 
materially to steady the men and, I am frank to say, caused 
me to feel a security and confidence that I have never felt 
before under shell fire. Later I was ordered to take my com- 
pany across the Scheldte and relieve a certain French organi- 
zation to our front. Chaplain Whitney insisted on being with 
the company even though I told him how dangerous our task 
was. We passed through the French first line and, with the 
company deployed as skirmishers over a seven-hundred-yard 
front, advanced to a village (Hoorbeke-St-Corneille) eight 
hundred yards beyond. We took this village under heavy 
machine gun and shell fire and drove out fifty German 
machine gunners. Chaplain Whitney stayed with me through- 
out the engagement in the front line and I am glad to say my 
company did not suffer one single casualty. Divine Provi- 
dence guided us safely to our position and we received word 

307 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

that any further advance would be postponed. The following 
morning as we were forming for the attack, the armistice had 
been signed." 

After the cessation of hostilities the 91st Division 
followed the Germans through Belgium as far as 
Brussels, later returning to France to the embarka- 
tion area near Le Mans to await transportation to 
America. During this time our chaplain was very- 
active on behalf of his men and established Christian 
Science soldiers' reading rooms at the following places 
in Belgium: Hoorbeke-St-Corneille, Muelebeke, Her- 
zele on the Franco-Belgian border and at Nogent-le- 
Bernard in France. The rooms were maintained as 
long as the army remained in these cities and were 
always the headquarters for Christian Scientists. 
Books marked for the lesson-sermon of the current 
week, and scriptural selections and hymns to further 
complete the service were always available. A set was 
always kept marked for the following week for the 
reason that from ten to twenty-five Christian Science 
services a week conducted by the men themselves were 
at one time being held in the 91st Division. The neces- 
sity for completely preparing the lesson is apparent 
and although readings for an entire service were at 
their disposal, the men often worked out new selec- 
tions for themselves. These boys were also organized 
by the chaplain into what was called the "91st Divi- 
sion Literature Distribution Committee," which, as its 
name implies, made each Science boy a committee 
through whom our literature reached those who were 
ready for it. 

Under the direction of the chaplain also what was 
known as a "Welfare Outfit" was organized and con- 
ducted. This consisted of a canteen, a three-chair 

308 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

American barber shop, a tailor shop, a six-night-a- 
week entertainment, a reading and writing room, a 
recreation room fitted up with games of various sorts, 
and a package department. This last was an office to 
which men could bring all packages they wished sent 
home. They were weighed, wrapped and properly 
stamped and started on their trip across the Atlantic. 
So thoroughgoing and successful was the "Welfare 
Outfit" that an officer who inspected it declared it was 
one of the finest he had seen in France. Soon after, 
the 91st left the embarkation area and sailing from 
St. Nazaire, arrived in this country in April, 1919. 
The chaplain accompanied them and has since that 
time received his honorable discharge from the service. 
We add with pleasure that since Chaplain Whit- 
ney's discharge, with the approbation of the Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary 
Forces in France, the Marshal of France, Petain, who 
is Commander-in-Chief of the French Armies of the 
East, issued the following citation: 

"Chaplain Arthur C. Whitney, 364 Regiment Infantry 
near Waereghem, Belgium, October 31, 1918, placed him- 
self at the head of the company and marched with it to the 
reserved positions. By his courageous works and his coolness 
he aided in keeping good order among this troop." 

The official record of the regiment mentions the 
incident as "one of the most deadly shellings which the 
regiment sustained." For this service the French Gov- 
ernment awarded Chaplain Whitney the Croix de 
Guerre with bronze, star. 

The second of the two Chaplains appointed in 
August, Mr. George R. Bonner, was assigned to duty 
with the 31st or Dixie Division, then in Camp 

309 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Wheeler, Georgia. As the 31st was soon ordered over- 
seas he accompanied it to Camp Mills, sailing to 
France in October, 1918, attached to the 106th Field 
Signal Battalion. Here he was stationed at the little 
town of Bracieux, Loir-et-Cher, and as the 31st Divi- 
sion was broken up on its arrival in France our chap- 
lain remained with the 106th Field Signal Battalion, 
serving the wants of the men scattered through some 
thirteen towns in that section. Here he was active in 
securing and building up a good Y. M. C. A., which 
involved scouring the country round about to procure 
the necessary equipment. He also held regular army 
religious services in some ten different towns, assist- 
ing as well any Christian Scientists who came to him 
for help, being designated as Depot Chaplain for this 
area. 

When later transferred to Cour-Cheverny, Loir-et- 
Cher, our chaplain was instrumental in starting a 
weekly newspaper, entitled, "Toot-Sweet." This was 
a success and became the organ of the Signal Corps 
men. Here also he secured a large tent auditorium for 
moving pictures and other camp entertainment, as 
previous to this no adequate place was available. 
Regular Christian Science services were also insti- 
tuted at Cour-Cheverny. Something of the activity of 
the chaplain for one day will be indicated by the 
following from one of his letters : 

"Tomorrow I must go about the area arranging for Sun- 
day services ; must call on the owner of a chateau to arrange 
for a dance for the major; look up a man in trouble in one 
of the battalions ; take a book on farming that came to me 
by mail from Paris to another man ; call at the hospital ; go 
to headquarters on two items and arrange for some work for 
the band. That and visits to one or two men who have asked 

310 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

me to see them are all that I have in view but experience has 
taught me to expect other incidents." 

Our chaplain remained at Cour-Cheverny until the 
breaking up of the depot there, when he was tempora- 
rily assigned to Tours awaiting further orders. The 
following letter from a Y. M. C. A. Secretary who 
worked with our Chaplain will indicate something of 
the friendly relations established by him: 

"Blois, February 21, 1919. 
"To Whom It May Concern : 

"It has been my pleasure to be associated with Chaplain 
George R. Bonner, U. S. A., in the work of the Y. M. C. A. 
in the A. E. F. I have found him a very energetic and efficient 
officer. Our relations have been the happiest. He was instru- 
mental to a degree in furthering our very successful work at 
Bracieux and Cour-Cheverny in the Blois Division. His efforts 
in promoting the welfare of the enlisted men have been tire- 
less, and he did all in his power to procure the meager sup- 
plies that it was possible to obtain. 

"I want to emphasize the fact that Chaplain Bonner was 
more than solicitous that the Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation should have due recognition, and any criticism of it 
was keenly felt by him. In behalf of the organization of my 
Division I wish to express herein my gratitude and appre- 
ciation. 

"(Signed) Div. Secretary, Y. M. C. A., Blois." 

In October, 1918, four Christian Scientists, Mr. 
Harry K. Filler, Mr. William M. Bartlett, Mr. Her- 
bert W. Beck, and Mr. Don C. Gilman, were admitted 
as candidates to a Chaplains' Training School held at 
Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky. Of these, two 
finished the prescribed five weeks' course in four weeks 
and received their commissions. While at Camp Tay- 
lor the influenza epidemic was at its height and these 

311 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

candidates were asked to do hospital duty, which 
resulted in healing to many. 

Mr. Filler and Mr. Rartlett were graduated in 
November, received sailing orders at once and left 
for France on November 15 to be assigned upon their 
arrival overseas. Together they attended a Chaplains' 
School near Le Mans and were then ordered to duty, 
Mr. Bartlett to Bordeaux and Mr. Filler to Base 
Hospital No. 7 at Beaune. Chaplain Filler made the 
most of a wonderful opportunity to turn men's 
thoughts towards spiritual things through the shining 
light of a good example. For some months work 
among the men in the wards was faithfully done, each 
one soon learning that the chaplain was his friend and 
ever ready to be of service. 

At Christmas time he wrote: 

"The Red Cross gave each man a pair of woolen stockings 
filled. I was delegated to get them around the wards and it 
was a real pleasure for me to do so. I went into town, Beaune, 
and bought all the pretty little cards one store had, some 
890, and asked fellows who were good writers to write the 
names of all the patients on them. Being mail censor I am 
quite sure that about every one of those cards is on its way 
to the States now, bearing mute evidence to the fact that the 
boys were remembered on Christmas day. I had arranged with 
the Red Cross to give me some extra stockings and I had a 
detail of men take them down to the forty-five fellows in the 
camp prison. I never did anything that was any more appre- 
ciated and it gave me a splendid opportunity to tell the fel- 
lows there that I was their chaplain and friend." 

The chaplain's presence in the surgical ward came 
to be much appreciated, for the boys and the doctors 
felt his helpful encouraging thought and wanted him 
to be at hand during a trying time. 

312 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

He held undenominational services in the hospital 
and one boy who was a regular attendant remarked: 

«I feel different about things since I came here to the hos- 
pital and have heard you. You have brought God very much 
nearer to me than He has ever seemed before." 

The progress made by the patients in the hospital 
was very marked and when the chaplain was assigned 
to duty at the A. E. F. University at Beaune the 
Commander of the hospital wrote the following letter 
to him, which speaks for itself: 

"Headquarters, Base Hospital No. 77. 

"APO 909, American E. F. 

"Beaune, Cote d'Or, France. 

"March 8, 1919. 

"To whom these presents may come, Greetings : 

"This is to certify that Harry K. Filler was the Chaplain 
of Base Hospital No. 77, APO 909, American Expeditionary 
Forces, France. His work with this organization was of 
the highest type. It was characterized by his tireless efforts 
to relieve the suffering of the sick and wounded and his con- 
scientious desire to comfort, encourage and entertain the boys 
in the hospital. His was at all times a helping hand. He is a 
man of exceptional qualities and high ideals and he has done 
much to stimulate the moral standing of the soldiers and to 
relieve them in many material ways. 

"It gives me great pleasure to testify to the character, 
integrity and veracity of Chaplain Filler. He came to us a 
stranger, but leaves with the love and high esteem of all the 
officers and soldiers of Base Hospital No. 77. 

"(Signed) 

"Lieut.-Colonel, Medical Corps. 
"Commanding Base Hospital No. 77." 

313 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Chaplain Filler was then transferred to the A. E. F. 
University of Beaune, where some 18,000 soldier stu- 
dents were in attendance. His undenominational 
talks to the men were well attended, and on some occa- 
sions many were turned away. He also conducted a 
class in Bible study which was received with much 
interest. Regular Christian Science services were held 
Sunday and Wednesday for the boys who were inter- 
ested. He had charge of the athletics of the Univer- 
sity and himself sometimes took a hand in the game. 
He gave much care and supervision to work on the 
American cemetery at Beaune, for as he said in a 
recent letter: 

"I am finding out what Paul meant when he spoke of being 
all things to all people." 

The second of the two chaplains, Mr. Bartlett, 
after a short sojourn at the Chaplains' School at 
Chateau l'Aux Loupeland was assigned on December 
9, to duty at Bordeaux in Camp de Souge. This was 
one of the finest and largest camps in France, having 
a capacity of 25,000, with some 13,000 troops gen- 
erally in waiting there on, their way back to the United 
States. The population was constantly changing, 
which gave the chaplain opportunity of reaching new 
men continually with the Truth. Two regular army 
services were conducted in a "Y" hut each Sunday 
and soon after the chaplain's arrival Christian Science 
boys in attendance at these undenominational talks 
marked our chaplain for a Scientist and sought him 
out afterwards. Our own services were soon started 
and a midweek meeting was also conducted. These 
were announced in the bulletin of religious services 

314 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

so that newcomers to the camp found them as soon as 
they arrived. 

The chaplain's room in camp became a haven of 
retreat for boys who wished to read and study un- 
disturbed and in one case a boy who had not known 
what it was to have a quiet moment alone for months 
was healed of a serious throat trouble while reading 
the lesson in the chaplain's quarters. As elsewhere 
our chaplain had charge of the athletic and entertain- 
ment features of the camp, visited the hospitals, dis- 
tributed our literature to those who wished it and 
found his days very full of busy activity. 

One especially interesting development of his work 
was the kindly help to men in the Detention camp. 
These men were not permitted to sail for home 
because suffering from a form of venereal disease. 
They were looked upon as being in disgrace and their 
general condition was one of condemnation and hope- 
lessness. Several of them appealed to our chaplain 
for help and he met nearly every day with a little 
group dubbed in fun "The Day Break Club," to read 
the lesson. Much earnest study took place and splen- 
did progress was noted. During the month of Feb- 
ruary, Mr. Bartlett was made ranking chaplain of 
Camp de Souge, which put all the activities of a 
religious nature under his direction. Some months 
later the medical lieutenant colonel and the major 
of Camp de Souge, requested our chaplain to accom- 
pany the Detention Battalion to a new camp near 
Bordeaux. His work was so much appreciated that 
he was asked to remain with the staff until all of the 
men were on their way to America. 

The third candidate who attended the Chaplains' 

315 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Training School at Camp Taylor, Mr. Herbert W. 
Beck, received his commission in November, 1918, and 
was assigned to duty at Camp Kearny, California, 
in December. Here the Christian Science Welfare 
House built by the War Relief Committee was just 
about to be taken over by the Government. Our 
chaplain was given this house as his headquarters and 
conducted Christian Science services on Sunday and 
a midweek meeting as well. 

The following splendid bit from one of his letters 
will indicate something of the work he did : 

"Since I have been in the army, four army chaplains have 
been healed and taken up the study of Christian Science. The 
first was in training camp, the others here. One here has been 
healed of an abnormal growth, nervous prostration and an- 
other chronic ill, while his wife has been healed of misplace- 
ment and tuberculosis. Another after being healed and read- 
ing his Science and Health saw that this was the way that 
he had been seeking, took his discharge saying he 'could 
no longer preach the old dogmas' and went with his little 
book into civil life to be a Scientist. The fourth was instantly 
healed of stomach trouble of years' standing and he asked 
me today to take over his wife's case. The second and fourth 
chaplains just mentioned are faithful attendants at my serv- 
ice in the Christian Science House and also make it their 
place of meeting with me each day." 

The fourth candidate at the training school, Mr. 
Don C. Oilman, was graduated in November, 1918, 
and received his commission in the Reserve Force. As 
the armistice had just been signed, he was given his 
discharge and returned to civil life. 

Only one chaplain was appointed in the United 
States Navy. In January, 1918, Mr. Richard J. 
Davis of Boston, Massachusetts, received his commis- 

316 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

sion, and was assigned for a short time to the Boston 
Navy Yard. While there, a service was held aboard 
the U. S. S. Salem, of which the Christian Science 
Sentinel for April 27, 1918, had the following de- 
scription: 

A NOTABLE SERVICE 

"On Sunday, February 17, 1918, there took place on one 
of the "battleships stationed at Boston Navy Yard, Charles- 
town, Massachusetts, the first official Christian Science 
service to be held in the United States Navy. The ship was 
rigged for church, and at a few minutes before half past ten 
o'clock the bugle call for divine service was sounded. At the 
same time the church flag which bears the cross was raised, 
this flag being the only one which is ever hoisted above the 
Stars and Stripes. It remained flying throughout the dura- 
tion of the service, to indicate that divine worship was in 
progress aboard the ship. 

"The reading desk consisted of two steel barrels and 
several flat gratings covered with an American flag. A piano 
was available for hymns and solo, and chairs and benches 
were provided for the audience. Chaplain Richard J. Davis, 
U. S. N., acted as First Reader and Lieutenant Samuel W. 
Burgess as Second Reader. With the exception of a few 
guests the audience was composed of naval officers and sea- 
men to the number of thirty or forty. All felt the deepest 
gratitude and joy that Christian Science services are now 
made possible for the men of the navy." 

The chaplain was soon assigned for permanent 
duty aboard the U. S. S. Roanoke. This ship was one 
of a fleet of ten mine-layers then under orders to sail 
for an European base to lay a barrage of mines across 
the North Sea. A number of officers and enlisted men 
on this ship were students or interested readers of our 
literature and before the squadron left this country 

317 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

the chaplain was conducting Christian Science serv- 
ices, as well as undenominational services, aboard his 
ship. 

When the fleet silently sailed for Europe under 
heavy convoy, our chaplain was designated as chap- 
lain for the entire squadron of mine-layers and he, 
with the other Christian Scientists aboard, began to 
realize the magnitude of the work they were called 
upon to do. The chaplain's cabin became the head- 
quarters for the Science boys and an earnest group 
gathered in it each day to read the lesson and gain 
spiritual inspiration for the work in hand. We quote 
from a letter written by these men to the Christian 
Science Board of Directors about the time of the 
annual meeting in June, 1918: 

"Dear Friends : We, a group of men serving together on 
an American man-of-war, take this opportunity of express- 
ing our loyalty to The Mother Church, and the Christian 
Science Board of Directors in annual meeting assembled. 

"Never did we realize the priceless gift of Christian 
Science more than in these days of war, when it has carried 
us in the silent watches of the night through seeming danger 
of fog, mine, and submarine, and has been an ever-present 
Comforter assuring us of a complete and certain safety. 

"We wish to express our gratitude for the provision of 
literature and our vest-pocket edition of Science and Health 
with Key to the Scriptures, for the good things provided 
through the Comforts Forwarding Committee and the Camp 
Welfare workers, also for the privilege of holding Christian 
Science services each Sunday on board our ship. 

"It is a comfort for us to know that we have the loving 
thoughts and prayers of our friends, and Christian Scien- 
tists everywhere, helping us in our work, whether it be in the 
trenches or on the sea. 

"Almost every night those of us who are interested in 

318 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

Christian Science gather for the lesson-sermon, or to hear 
some good article from our publications. We are grateful 
for the opportunity we have of proving the Principle of 
Christian Science; and striving each day to abide in the 
secret place of the most High, we know that evil shall not 
come nigh our dwelling. 

"The enclosed checks for $100 are the contribution of 
the boys and officers on board our ship to the War Relief 
Fund. 

"With loving wishes," 

( Signed — Committee.) 

On the trip across, a torpedo from a submarine was 
fired across the bow of the Roanoke but failed to 
strike it and from then on the story of the protection 
afforded this entire naval operation is one which 
to human thought seems miraculous. The mine bar- 
rage was laid across the North Sea from the Orkney 
Islands to the coast of Norway and during their nine 
months abroad, the mine-layers made thirteen trips 
out into the North Sea, in constant danger from 
enemy submarines, airships, and floating mines, while 
being laden themselves with tons of the deadly explo- 
sive TNT. Each of the larger ships, it is said, carried 
three times as much of this explosive as that which 
destroyed the town of Halifax. 

It was the duty of our chaplain to accompany his 
ship on these mine-laying excursions, and in addition 
to the task of providing for the spiritual needs of the 
men, he was given what was known as a "vigilance 
watch." Thus while the other officers slept and the 
squadron, sometimes accompanied by twelve destroy- 
ers and armed cruisers, silently steamed along in the 
darkness of the North Sea, the Christian Science 
chaplain was on guard, knowing the power of the 

319 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

ever-presence of God to protect all these ships. There 
were several submarine attacks on the fleet but none 
were successful. 

Once the entire squadron, through an error in the 
navigation charts, crossed and recrossed a German 
mine field without harm. Despite fogs and other ob- 
stacles, the barrage was laid without a single casualty 
or other mishap. What this means may best be under- 
stood when it is stated that this mine-laying squadron 
was known as the "Suicide Fleet." The work was 
thought to mean certain death and this was based on 
the experience of the British mine-layers for, of their 
twelve original ships, nine are said to have been lost 
with all hands aboard. 

Aside from his work as a Christian Scientist in the 
fleet, our chaplain provided entertainment and amuse- 
ment for his men. On July 4, 1918, under the supervi- 
sion of Chaplain Davis, an entertainment was given in 
Inverness by the men of the American navy to the offi- 
cers and men of the British navy. It was felt by all 
present to be a significant event, coming as it did on 
Independence Day, and its result was to create a 
splendid spirit of cooperation between the navies of 
the English-speaking peoples. It is also interesting to 
note, that in this entire mine-laying operation the 
American and British navies worked side by side. 

Chaplain Davis was detached from his ship for a 
short time by Admiral Sims and was instrumental in 
helping establish Christian Science Welfare Rooms 
at various naval bases in the British Isles. The room 
maintained at Inverness, Scotland, one of the bases 
of the mine-layers, was much enjoyed by the Ameri- 
can sailors and was crowded to overflowing during the 
influenza epidemic at a time when the Y. M. C. A. hut 

320 



TIMELY RECOGNITION 

was closed by quarantine. Of the opening of this room 
the chaplain wrote as follows: 

"On Sunday, September 29, we held the first service in the 
Rooms. We had a sweet and simple service in accordance with 
the Manual. At the invitation of the Welfare Workers I 
acted as First Reader and Mrs. S. as Second. 

"This is the first Christian Science service ever held in 
Inverness, the largest town in northern Scotland, and of 
course we know that this first public declaration of the Truth 
is the most important thing that has ever happened in this 
ancient town." 

When the armistice was signed and the fleet in- 
spected previous to its departure for home, the 
Christian Scientists were interested to hear that the 
health record of their squadron was the finest that had 
ever been known for any organization, naval or mili- 
tary. On board the U. S. S. Roanoke, also, not a single 
case of influenza was reported during the epidemic. 

Before sailing for America, the Christian Science 
chaplain conducted a party of some twenty men to 
London. These American lads were guests at the 
Christian Science Welfare House at 112 Eaton 
Square and received a welcome which they will prob- 
ably never forget. On the home trip the U. S. S. 
Roanoke was rammed in a fog off the coast of New- 
foundland, and although laden with TNT, the mines 
had been moved the day previous from the very 
spot where the boat was struck. She was able to make 
her port in safety and sailed into Hampton Roads in 
December, 1918. 

Chaplain Davis was later transferred to the U. S. S. 
Supply } which was the flagship of the Train Atlantic 
Fleet, whose duty it is to supply the Grand Fleet with 
all of its necessities. Christian Science services were 

321 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

conducted aboard the Supply and the chaplain was 
kept busy attending to the wants of his men. Chap- 
lain Davis was later transferred to the U. S. S. Co- 
lumbia. 

That the work of the Christian Science chaplains 
more than justified their appointments there is no 
doubt. The grateful expressions from the many men 
to whose spiritual and material needs they ministered 
is ample proof of this. In addition, the friendly rela- 
tionship which they have established and maintained 
with chaplains of other denominations and with 
representatives of the medical profession did much 
to sweep away opposition to Christian Science and 
break down barriers of misconception. Our chaplains 
proved themselves to be real Christian soldiers. 



322 



IX 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

A WORD FROM THE TREASURER OF 
THE MOTHER CHURCH 

In October, 1914, the War Relief Fund of The 
Mother Church was opened for the purpose of aiding 
Christian Scientists who were suffering as a direct 
result of the war. In addition thereto the European 
Relief Fund was opened in December, 1914, to assist 
those who were not Christian Scientists. These two 
funds were consolidated in April, 1915, from which 
date, until the present time, relief was extended 
to those in need, without regard to their religious 
affiliations. 

As appropriations from the War Relief Fund were 
made to various countries in Europe, including Ger- 
many, prior to the United States entering the war in 
April, 1917, British subjects were estopped by their 
Government from contributing to such a fund. In 
order that contributions might properly be received 
from them, a Special War Relief Fund was provided 
early in 1917, but before any appropriations could be 
made therefrom, it was merged with the War Relief 
Fund upon the removal of such restriction. 

With the entrance of the United States into the 
war, the great opportunity presented itself of min- 
istering to the temporal and spiritual welfare of the 

323 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

men in the army and navy service. To provide ade- 
quately the funds needed for carrying on this work, 
the field was invited to contribute to the Christian 
Science Camp Welfare Fund, which was formally 
opened on January 3, 1918. As the broad purpose and 
essential unity of the War Relief work in all its 
phases became more clearly understood, it was deemed 
advisable by the Christian Science Board of Di- 
rectors to consolidate this fund with the War Relief 
Fund, which was effected on March 25, 1918, under 
the name of the Christian Science War Relief Fund. 

In the interim, a special fund was opened to which 
contributions were received for Halifax Relief, which 
money was paid into, and appropriations made from, 
the Christian Science War Relief Fund, for the spe- 
cific purpose of relieving those suffering from the 
disaster in Halifax, in December, 1917. 

Including the sum of $34,000 contributed for Hali- 
fax Relief, the total contributions for War Relief 
from the beginning to the formal closing of the fund 
on June 2, 1919, were $1,988,000. Receipts from 
interest on daily bank balances and on United States 
Liberty Bonds purchased when there was an ample 
balance on hand to permit of this being done, 
amounted to $16,000, which made a full $2,000,000 
available for War Relief. 

Among the larger appropriations for direct relief 
in Europe were the following: Switzerland $75,000, 
Italy $42,000, Holland $29,000, Germany $68,000. 
All of this money was distributed directly to the 
recipients by the War Relief Committees of The 
Mother Church, who carefully investigated each case 
before relief was extended, and who performed this 

324 



FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

service with unstinted devotion and without financial 
compensation. 

As the needs became clearly apparent, additional 
appropriations in varying amounts were made to 
Armenia, Syria, Belgium, Poland, Roumania, Serbia, 
Lithuania, Russia, Turkey in Asia, Jamaica, Aus- 
tralia, Canada and Mexico, totaling $88,000. 

The larger appropriations of $186,000 to Great 
Britain and Ireland, and $214,000 to France, included 
not only the relief extended in these countries during 
the earlier part of the war through the Committees 
of The Mother Church therein, but also the direct 
assistance given to the men in the service, the conduct- 
ing of the special Reading Rooms established for their 
use, the salaries and expenses of the War Relief 
Workers, and to an extent the distribution of Chris- 
tian Science literature. 

Remembering the paramount consideration of win- 
ning the war for Principle, and the necessity of accom- 
plishing this result in the most effective manner 
through equipping the men in the army and navy 
for the great task before them, demands were made 
upon the War Relief Fund for the supplying of 
Bibles, copies of Science and Health and of The 
Christian Science Monitor, pamphlets and other au- 
thorized Christian Science literature, to the amount of 
$323,000. In the effort to accomplish fully the great 
purpose in hand, workers were employed for the va- 
rious camps, and ports of embarkation ; welfare build- 
ings, and other reading and rest rooms in convenient 
locations, were provided; and also such automobiles 
and other facilities as were needed for carrying on the 
work; all of which required a further expenditure of 

325 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

$627,000, the major portion thereof being disbursed 
in the United States. This sum includes also the sal- 
aries paid to the Christian Science chaplains in the 
service, — which were additional to the amounts re- 
ceived by them from the United States Govern- 
ment, — as well as the cost of the general administra- 
tion of the work as a whole. 

Still another large appropriation was that of 
$111,000 to the Comforts Forwarding Committee 
(Christian Scientists), in Boston, whose efforts were 
directed primarily to the provision of clothing impera- 
tively needed by refugees, especially women and chil- 
dren, and of knitted garments for the men in the 
military and naval service. Additional to this sum 
were the many contributions, totaling a substantial 
amount, made by Christian Scientists to the many 
Comforts Forwarding Committees elsewhere, for the 
carrying on of their work. Besides the total funds 
thus made available for this practical phase of War 
Relief, hundreds of Workers in the field gave their 
time freely and lovingly to this beneficent activity. 

Including balance on hand June 2, 1919, — since 
which date no contributions have been accepted, — and 
proceeds from sale of equipment, there remains a bal- 
ance of $242,000 in cash and bonds for continuing 
refugee and reconstruction work. 

Christian Scientists may well rejoice in the genuine 
relief afforded, and the manifest healing of fear, limi- 
tation, and distress, both physical and mental, accom- 
plished on every hand through the compassionate 
ministrations of Christian Science, in acknowledg- 
ment of which many voluntary testimonials have been 
received, a few being given in other chapters of this 
report. 

326 



FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

Deeply grateful for the prompt, continuous and 
loving contributions by Christian Scientists to the 
War Relief Fund established by The Mother Church 
in evidence of the "practical Christianity" to which 
our revered Leader refers in Science and Health 
(page 224-22), we are reminded of her beautiful and 
inspiring statement on page 518 therein: 

"The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brother- 
hood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed 
is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, 
seeking his own in another's good. Love giveth to the least 
spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine 
through all as the blossom shines through the bud. All the 
varied expressions of God reflect health, holiness, immor- 
tality — infinite Life, Truth, and Love." 

Where did these large sums of money come from, 
and why did the contributions to the War Relief Fund 
pour into the Treasurer's Office so generously, so 
steadily and so abundantly? Perhaps the following 
excerpts from letters will best answer these questions. 

A Grand Army man helps the boys of today : 

"On my way to Hampton the other day I noticed a Chris- 
tian Science wagon on the road being used for the benefit of 
the military in this neighborhood. Enclosed please find check 
for the Christian Science organization to be used for our 
boys in the United States service." 

The children of an Alaska Sunday School have a 
part in the work: 

"The children of our Sunday School ask you to kindly 
accept this amount as their contribution toward supplying 
literature for the boys at the front." 

327 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

A little boy adds his savings : 

"Enclosed find check for $15 with love and gratitude for 
all the unfoldment of Truth which this beautiful work is 
doing. I am only a little boy of ten years but I know what 
Christian Science means at this time to our brave boys. This 
is just a little of my savings." 

The Busy Ree Fund bears compound interest: 

"I am enclosing the check I mentioned (from the Busy 

Bee Fund) to pay for the Bible and if you can use the small 

remainder I shall be very happy." 

Some unorganized Scientists send their share: 
"We had a beautiful service in my home in the mountains 
of Virginia, Sunday, October 20. Nine were present. En- 
closed find check for $20 which this household sends as a 
'Thank Offering' for the many blessings received through 
the understanding of Christian Science." 

Some soldiers in Eagle Pass, Texas, forward their 
collection : 

"Enclosed find one Postal Money Order for $5, this being 
the amount collected at our Sunday services to be used for 
the Camp Welfare Fund. It is only a small token of our 
gratitude for many benefits received but it is joyfully given." 

A soldier's gratitude for healing : 

"I am indeed grateful for the healing received and enclose 
a small check to be used so that Science and Health may be 
placed in the hands of other boys." 

A Students' Association gives the Fund its loyal 
support : 

"Enclosed please find check for one hundred dollars made 
out to the Treasurer of The Mother Church which amount 
is a contribution to the Camp Welfare Fund by the Students' 
Association of Mrs. S." 

328 



FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

An English soldier sends Christmas greetings: 
"I should like to contribute the enclosed as a token this 

Christmas of my gratitude for all that I owe to Christian 

Science during the last five years." 

"Before they call I will answer": 

"I am enclosing a small contribution to the War Relief 
and Camp Welfare Fund. I wish to assure you that I appre- 
ciate this great work for the soldiers. I wrote you that my 
son was in a hospital in France, hoping you could send help 
to him, but already your Workers had visited him, as he 
said, bringing joy and hope. They supplied him with Moni- 
tors, Sentinels and Journals and gave him free treatment." 

From an eyewitness of our work : 

"It gives me great pleasure, in which my wife joins me, to 
send our little mite to the fund that is doing such wonderful 
work. We had the privilege of visiting several training camps 
in the south and southwest and it filled our hearts with joy 
to see the Camp Welfare hut and automobiles carrying the 
Truth to all. We have seen several soldiers lying on the 
ground reading the little vest-pocket edition of Science and 
Health by our Leader." 

Upon receiving word from France : 

"Please accept my most heartfelt thanks for your efficient 
and comforting work with regard to my brother. I was told 
by a member of the Home Service of the Red Cross that the 
reply was in her experience almost unprecedented in its 
quickness. You will find enclosed a check for ten dollars, five 
of which is to pay for the cable and the other as a thank 
offering." 

True reciprocity from a soldier in the American 
Expeditionary Forces: 

"I am sending subscription price for all Christian Science 
periodicals, the Christian Science Quarterly, and Science and 

329 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Health printed in alternate French and English. I am being 
greatly helped every day by the articles in the Monitor and 
Journal and wish as many others as possible to have the same 
privilege." 

In appreciation of good news by cable: 

"Your kind and welcome letter received a few days ago. 
Also your cable, and appreciated it so much — in fact, I 
hardly know how to thank you for your kindness. Here is a 
small sum for the Christian Science War Relief Fund. Would 
be glad if I could send fifty times this amount." 

A birthday gift to the fund: 

"Enclosed please find one dollar for your work. I am 
eighty-four today and this dollar was given me for a birth- 
day present. I wish I were sending eighty- four dollars." 

A corporal in France appreciates the War Relief 
Room: 

"Enclosed in this letter is a check for $25 to be drawn 
against my New York bank. It is difficult to find words of 
appreciation for the wonderful kindness, aid, comfort and 
joy experienced in these rooms. They are the first hours of 
real satisfaction passed in France." 

"An offering pure of Love" (Poems, page 18) : 

"Enclosed find money order for two dollars lovingly given 
for War Relief and Camp Welfare work. I wish it could be 
more, but more will follow. I am a widow, earning my own 
living and have made the supreme sacrifice of giving my baby 
boy to his country. He passed over in the battle of Soissons, 
July 19, 1918. Surely, 'greater love hath no man than this, 
that a man lay down his life for his friends.' I am so thankful 
for the blessed understanding I have of Christian Science and 
love and reverence our Leader more every day because she 
gave this 'Key to the Scriptures' to needy humanity." 

330 



X 

UNSELFISH LABOR RICHLY 
REWARDED 

In the foregoing pages the outstanding features of 
the activity of the Christian Science War Relief Com- 
mittee have been described. Into this final chapter 
have been gathered together various letters and re- 
ports from individals, all indicative of some phase of 
the good accomplished. To make a complete estimate 
of such a work is, of course, an impossible task and 
these points are submitted only as indications of what 
has developed and may be expected to develop from 
the seed sown by the War Relief Committee. 

First in interest, perhaps, to Christian Scientists 
is the great mass of evidence accumulated to show the 
physical healings resulting from the application of 
Christian Science to the treatment of disease. Some 
of these healings were brought about by the minis- 
trations of War Relief Workers, some by the efforts 
of soldier Scientists in their own behalf or in behalf 
of comrades. 

The first duty of the Welfare Workers was natu- 
rally to Christian Scientists although they by no means 
limited their attention to these men. The group of 
testimonials which follow are expressions from Chris- 
tian Scientists in the service to whom our Workers 
were able to be of assistance. 

331 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"In loving gratitude to God, and to Mrs. Eddy, the inter- 
preter of the beautiful teachings of Christ Jesus, I wish to 
tell of the many benefits which I have received through 
Christian Science since entering the army. Almost every day 
for the past eighteen months it has required the conscientious 
study of our textbook and the Bible to meet the seeming 
problems which have presented themselves. 

"I am happy to say that my redeemer in every instance 
has proved to be the practical application of the words of 
Jesus, 'Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make 
you free.' 

"I wish to tell of one incident which especially proved to 
me the ever-present help of divine Love. I was doing guard 
duty at one of our flying fields, and one day I felt a bit resent- 
ful for having to stand guard for three hour periods which 
I thought was a little too long for any one person. That 
night during my watch from 12 to 3 I became suddenly ill. 
I tried my best to realize the Scientific Statement of Being 
as given on page 468 of our textbook, but I soon reached a 
state where I was almost unconscious. When the guard relief 
arrived I was assisted to the squadron and when morning 
arrived I had been taken to the Post Hospital. After an 
examination by the medical officer I was told that I was 
suffering from a case of acute ptomaine poisoning. 

"I had been hurried away to the hospital without a bit of 
Christian Science literature, to say nothing of my Science 
and Health, Quarterly and Bible. I realized that this was 
no place for me and that I must do my work in Science the 
best I knew how. 

"This all happened on a Friday night. On the following 
Sunday, the Camp Welfare Worker missed me, as I was 
never absent unless he had received word in advance. Having 
inquired for me at the squadron the Worker soon located me 
at the hospital and found me there early the following Mon- 
day morning. I was so happy when I saw him appear in the 
doorway, looking here and there for someone and knowing 

332 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

that the someone was myself. I immediately asked for some 
Science literature and he thereupon went back to his car and 
brought me a Journal and some Sentinels. 

"I realized how much better I felt after he had spoken to 
me, and had given me some good things to think about. I 
told him that I expected to be out of the hospital by the 
middle of the following week, but he only smiled and said 
nothing. That smile and the thoughts he gave me resulted 
in my being discharged the following morning perfectly well. 
It was indeed a lesson to me to guard my thoughts as well 
as the 'Government property in view.' 

"Since that time I have had many remarkable experiences 
showing the efficacy of Christian Science when its teachings 
are honestly practiced. The literature, consisting of the 
Monitor, Sentinel and Journal, has always been most wel- 
come to the boys in the service, and how eager were those 
who knew nothing of Science for that wonderful and remark- 
able daily, 'The Christian Science Monitor.' In my training 
as a pilot I have never had a thought of fear and my work 
has gone on with much satisfaction, not only to myself but 
to my instructors as well. I am grateful for having had the 
privilege of being a reader at several of our army camps 
during the war, and it has given me an invaluable and helpful 
experience. 

"I am indeed grateful for all that Christian Science has 
done for me, and only by loving obedience to our revered 
Leader's admonitions and by following the teachings of our 
textbook can I show my sense of gratitude. 

"Cadet Alfred P. Pearson, 

"Ellington Field, Houston, Texas." 

"As testimonial to the exceedingly good work a Christian 
Science Welfare Worker did for me I wish to relate my 
experience at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas. 

"In the first place, I was flying every day, averaging about 
three hours a day. This lasted for approximately seven 

333 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

months. All of this time, through the guidance of one of the 
Welfare Workers and the help of the literature I was en- 
abled not only to have a clean record as instructor but also 
to accomplish my work without accident of any kind. 

"Last fall, during the 'flu' epidemic, I became suddenly 
ill. The day before I became unconscious, some Science lit- 
erature was handed me, with the Welfare Worker's name 
enclosed. I refused medicine of any kind, and called on the 
Welfare Worker for help. The next day I was forcibly taken 
to the hospital and passed almost immediately into uncon- 
sciousness. The Welfare Worker was with me every day and 
several nights practically all night. 

"It was at a critical stage, when the army surgeon at the 
hospital said I could not live until a certain hour. They had 
done absolutely all they could, and told my parents that I 
would probably be dead within a few hours. This condition 
lasted for over a day. The Worker brought me back into 
sunshine and life again, staying constantly with me. 

"The case was considered a very peculiar one in the hos- 
pital, and the surgeon predicted all kinds of after effects, 
none of which developed, nor ever will, for this experience 
has shown me thoroughly what Science is and what it will do 
for one. 

"I trust that this will be of some service and help to those 
in need of it. Words fail to express my appreciation of the 
wonderful help Science has been to me through the Welfare 
Workers at this camp. 

"William Huttig, Jr., 

"Kansas City, Mo." 

"While training at one of the large army camps I became 
very ill. I was first sent to the camp hospital and then to the 
base hospital, where the trouble was diagnosed as tuber- 
culosis. My condition gradually grew worse, and the surgeon 
in charge notified my parents that my condition was serious. 

"My mother wrote the Christian Science War Relief Work- 
ers, who visited me at once, leaving a copy of the textbook, 

334 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mrs. 
Eddy, and some other literature. 

"After careful reading of this literature I began to see 
the truth. My condition was so improved in two days that I 
was allowed to put on my clothes and walk around. The hos- 
pital authorities changed the diagnosis of the case and made 
the record show that it was some kind of fever. In two weeks 
I was entirely well and felt as strong as ever, and was dis- 
charged from the hospital. 

"The second day out of the hospital I rode my horse on a 
thirty-mile hike with no ill effects whatever. 

"I am indeed grateful for my knowledge of Christian 
Science, and wish to express my sincere thanks to those 
Christian Scientists who helped me find the right road. 

"Warren R. Whitehead, 

"Brownwood, Texas." 

"Upon several occasions during my service of over a year 
in the army I found it necessary to call upon a Christian 
Science War Relief Worker for help and it is my desire to 
relate a couple of incidents wherein I did receive help and 
to express my sincere gratitude both to the Worker and to 
the organization. 

"At the time of my enlistment, I was still unable to over- 
come entirely the belief that I was not in perfect condition 
and was somewhat afraid that I would be unable to pass so 
rigid an examination as is required in order to be accepted 
as candidate for commission in the Air Service. 

"After talking with a Welfare Worker at Omaha and 
being assured by him that he would help me, I felt entirely 
different about myself and appeared before the examining 
board full of confidence. To make a short story of it, I did 
pass the examination and was pronounced physically perfect 
by all the doctors present and was accepted. 

"Soon after reporting for duty, all men were vaccinated 
and inoculated. My second inoculation seemed to cause a 
high fever and, receiving a pass on the following day, I went 

335 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

home and went to bed. At the same time the influenza mani- 
fested itself, and at times during the first night in bed I was 
delirious. The next morning the Welfare Worker called and 
soon after he arrived I responded to his treatment and went 
to sleep. When I awakened the fever had subsided and I was 
much better. Next morning the authorities at the Post in- 
formed us that the ambulance was coming out and would 
take me to the hospital, which was of course against my 
wishes. But personal desires amount to very little in the 
army. I was kept in the hospital and by the next morning 
was perfectly well, but I had a hard time convincing the 
doctors of this, for they wanted to keep me in a few days 
longer. At about eleven o'clock in the morning I called up 
the Welfare Worker and asked him to help me with this 
problem. However, later the same morning the sergeant came 
to me, saying that the doctors had decided I could go back 
to the barracks. 

"All through my two ground courses and the flying course, 
God, through my knowledge of Him as taught in Christian 
Science, was an ever-present help and I know I could not 
have come through it all so well as I did, without this aid. 

"Soon after receiving my commission I was assigned to a 
company and was ordered overseas. Naturally it was hard 
to leave my wife and child, but with the help we received 
through the Welfare Worker we saw that everything was 
for the best and we felt confident that we would be united 
again and would be taken care of during our separation. 

"Many others received the same help as I did through the 
Christian Science War Relief Committee and it certainly 
has proved to be a wonderful organization. I have command 
of no words with which to express my gratitude to God and 
to Christian Science for the many benefits and blessings I 
received before my entry into the army, during my service 
and since my return to civil life. 

"Jere Van Rensselaer, Jr., 

"Lincoln, Nebraska." 
336 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

"I wish to express my gratitude for the blessings I enjoy 
because Christian Science has entered into my experience. 
For the past twelve years, I have relied entirely upon Chris- 
tian Science as my physician. However, while in the service 
of the government, though I was inoculated and vaccinated 
a number of times, because this was compulsory under medi- 
cal regulations, I was never affected by these operations as 
I knew no harm could result to God's idea, since man in His 
image and likeness, needed no serums of any sort to sustain 
perfect health, because perfection is the natural order of 
man's being. The sergeant who gave me the last shot seemed 
somewhat annoyed because the previous shots failed to take 
effect, so he pushed the needle fully a half inch into the flesh 
of my arm, remarking as he did so, 'I know you feel that 
anyway.' Though the mark is still visible on the arm, it is 
perfectly healed over, and no ill effects followed from this 
treatment. 

"During the period when a number of the men in Van- 
couver Barracks, Washington, were under medical treatment, 
suffering because of the epidemic, I had listened to so much 
talk of the disease that I was caught napping, for I was not 
standing 'porter at the door of thought' (Science and Health, 
page 392), and as a result there was evidenced the symptoms 
of the 'flu' in all its fury. I tried for two days to overcome 
it, but on the third day it seemed that a trip to the hospital 
was inevitable. I managed to get away from the tent and 
found a Camp Worker who talked with me for an hour and 
a half and made clear to me the thought that God gave man 
dominion over all error and therefore I was the master over 
any evil that tried to attack me, and he held this thought so 
firmly that I was suddenly freed from all discord and re- 
turned to camp rejoicing and slept well all night. I ate very 
heartily at breakfast and resumed my duties as acting mess 
sergeant. 

"The many blessings I enjoyed through the efforts of the 
War Relief Committee of the Christian Science movement 

337 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

will ever remain a fond recollection never to be blotted out. 
The free distribution of literature, especially The Christian 
Science Monitor, that wonderful paper disseminating the 
constructive news of the world, is a source of much gratitude. 
"Christian Science is surely my greatest possession. 

"August Brauns, 
"Portland, Oregon." 

"On the evening of May 3, 1918, while cranking a car, the 
engine kicked and broke my right arm at the wrist. The 
shock was so severe that I lost consciousness for a few 
moments and was taken into the Christian Science Camp 
Welfare building, where I was given immediate attention by 
the Worker. 

"After I had recovered from the first shock I was taken 
to the infirmary and had the bone set. Later, permission was 
given me to remain at the Welfare building all night. Much 
work was done for me that night and in the morning the 
sergeant who dressed the arm told me that I was making 
such excellent progress that the splints could be taken off 
in a couple of days. The surgeon said the arm was doing 
splendidly but the splints must remain for seven weeks, as 
that was the customary time. 

"On the fourth night the splints came off during my sleep 
and in the morning I arose and dressed myself, using the 
arm that had been broken without being conscious of it. I 
slipped my arm back into the splints and reported for exami- 
nation but did not tell the surgeon that the splints had come 
off and that I was able to use my arm. He commented upon 
the excellent progress I was making but insisted that the 
splints be worn for several weeks more. 

"I was confident that my arm was healed and used to 
amuse the men at the Welfare Room by waving my arm, 
splints and all, in the air when they would ask how I was 
progressing. It was apparent to everyone that my arm was 
well and I know that I could have used it in the regular way 
had the surgeon permitted me to remove the splints. 

338 




The Tent used in Camp Hancock, Georgia, before Building 
was constructed 




At Camp Beauregard, Louisiana 








A War Relief Tent, Ellington Field, Houston, Texas 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

"Three days after the splints were removed I was doing 
typing for the officer in charge. In fact, three days after 
the arm was broken I was using the typewriter although 
under difficulty because of the splints. 

"After the first week no treatments were given because 
we were confident that the healing was accomplished. For 
this demonstration, as well as for a great many others, I 
owe a debt of gratitude to Christian Science. 

"George H. Anderson, 

"Sgt., Quartermasters' Corps." 

"I am indeed most grateful for all the good that has come 
to me through the study of Christian Science. At this time 
I am particularly grateful for the great work that has been 
done for us who have been in service. 

"I was stationed at Camp Johnston, Jacksonville, Florida, 
and during my stay there, the love and loyalty of the Chris- 
tian Science Welfare Workers brought to me an under- 
standing of joy and peace that I had never before thought 
it possible to possess. 

"One day there seemed to be with me a sense of being 
without my usual strength, which became more and more 
marked as the day passed, until in the evening I was indeed 
in great distress. Not realizing the need for immediate work, 
I did not ask for help until I had retired, and after 'lights 
out' I realized that I was very quickly losing all control of 
my body. I was unable to raise either my arms or legs. It 
happened that the boy who was next to me was a Scientist, 
so I asked him to dress and telephone to the Welfare Worker 
in Jacksonville for help. He did so but before his return I 
had also lost my voice and was unable to thank him. I remem- 
ber his return but in the darkness he was not able to see that 
I was still awake, and as I could neither move nor talk, he 
supposed me to be sleeping and went to bed once more. I 
was, however, very much awake but paralyzed by fear. I 

339 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

remember nothing more until the bugle sounded in the morn- 
ing, waking me, and I was perfectly healed. 

"A few weeks later I was called to my home in Canada, 
where my mother was passing out under medical treatment. 
My grief and the sense of separation, together with the 
hatred and resentment toward those I thought responsible, 
seemed almost too great for me to bear. Christian Science 
again met my need. It taught me to know and love my only 
Father-Mother God, as I never had before, and I realized 
that in knowing who is my mother and my father that I was 
healed of all that seemed so real. I shall never forget the 
beautiful way our Welfare Worker stood with me during 
this trial. 

"It was my privilege to be one of the readers in the Chris- 
tian Science meetings held in camp. This position awakened 
me to see what it is to be a real Christian Scientist, and I 
am rejoicing daily in increased understanding. 

"Christian Science is such a simple, demonstrable, practi- 
cal religion. As each day passes and I know more of God 
who is Love and of man's relation to Him, my gratitude 
increases. I realize, however, as our beloved Leader writes 
on page 3 of Science and Health: 'Gratitude is much more 
than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more 
gratitude than speech.' My great desire is that I may so 
grow in the understanding of Christian Science that my life 
by my actions may prove true gratitude and that I may be 
found worthy of the name of a genuine Christian Scientist. 

"Ralph E. Carson, 

"Detroit, Michigan." 

"A new name for an ailment affects people like a 
Parisian name for a novel garment. Everyone hastens 
to get it," says Mrs. Eddy on page 197 of Science and 
Health. Never was the truth of these words more 
conclusively proved than in the epidemic of fear, 
called Spanish Influenza, which raged through the 

340 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

United States and Europe last fall. To those who are 
used to looking for the mental cause of all physical 
effects, it was not surprising that this gust of evil 
should have swept most violently through our army 
and navy training camps. Certain it is that as one of 
our Workers wrote, "If this thing had been called 
German instead of Spanish no one would have taken 
it for each would have said, 'Away with it ; we're not 
afraid of anything German and never will be.' " 

In any event during those weeks of stress and fear, 
Christian Scientists everywhere were grateful for a 
knowledge of God's goodness and for a calm assur- 
ance of protection, and through this understanding 
they were able to be of immeasurable help to those 
who were suffering in this dream of sickness. Prob- 
ably the helpfulness of our Camp Workers was 
brought home to more families at that one time than 
at any other during the activity of the Committee. 

In some of the camps with the placing of the quar- 
antine, Christian Science services were abandoned 
perforce. In one camp through the faithful effort of 
a woman Worker permission was granted by the 
camp surgeon and our services went on uninter- 
ruptedly. 

Elsewhere our Workers being told that the entire 
district was under quarantine and if they entered they 
would be obliged to stay in the camp, elected to follow 
this course, entered and remained inside, bringing 
healing and comfort to many. In a camp of this sort 
such good work was done by the soldier Scientists 
that the Worker wrote of them as follows : 

"One of the things for which we are most grateful is the 
fact that our boys were able to help the others during the 

341 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

recent epidemic. One of them had charge of thirty-six others. 
The first night he went to each patient and tried to allay his 
fear and to reassure him. The doctors soon began to turn 
to him and he was put into a position of considerable respon- 
sibility and usefulness. Another boy read the 91st Psalm 
to his patients, and although only a beginner in Science, 
through using what he knew of the truth, was able to over- 
come a very high fever for one of the boys." 

Similarly, a soldier writing from England says : 

"I was placed in a hospital unit and sent overseas. This 
took place while the fear of the so-called influenza was 
on. ... If you will remember I am just a beginner in 
Science, and so I held to the truth as best I could during 
that season. I did not use any preventives or medicine as 
did my associates. I had no fear and felt it my duty to serve 
instead of being served." 

Our Camp Workers themselves at this time were 
working day and night and in many places, being 
unable to care for all the cases presented to them, they 
were obliged to ask for assistance from other prac- 
titioners who gladly volunteered their services. Per- 
haps the following letters will indicate the apprecia- 
tion with which their efforts were met. The first is 
from the surgeon of the Air Service Mechanics 
School, St. Paul, Minnesota: 

"The Surgeon desires to thank Mr. G. and the members 
of the Christian Science Welfare League for their great kind- 
ness and thoughtfulness in caring for the men sick in our 
hospital during the recent epidemic. The care and trouble 
taken in providing for the comfort and welfare of the patients 
have been very much appreciated. 

"You cannot realize how much such helpful, practical 
service as yours has meant to the patients. Your splendid 
cooperation and ready, willing service throughout the very 

342 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

trying emergency have meant much more than can be ex- 
pressed. The medical officers are extremely grateful to you, 
and are very appreciative of all that you have done." 

The second is from a medical officer at the hospital 
in Camp Beauregard, Louisiana: 

"I take the means of this letter to express to you as best 
I can, my appreciation of your help and assistance during 
this trying situation in camp. 

"When you offered your services in the beginning of this 
critical situation, we needed help upon whom we could depend. 
We were a little surprised at your offer, not at all on account 
of the man from whom it came, but we did not know how 
your people's views were along the lines of such humanitarian 
work as you have done here. 

"I felt that everything was as it should be in my absence 
with you as Ward Master. One thing I want to say to you, a 
thing that I appreciate, while your position as Ward Master 
would have safeguarded you against any orderly duties of 
the hospital, — the thing necessary to be done, was the thing 
you did. 

"Again thanking you for your faithful and fearless work 
during this serious time, I am, 

"Your friend." 

At a camp in Colorado our Worker, upon volun- 
teering the services of himself and his car, was told 
that everything was well organized in the hospital 
except in the diet kitchen, where he might be useful. 
Upon visiting the kitchen he was told that the patients 
craved ice cream and as the result of an appeal to the 
women of the near-by Christian Science churches our 
Worker was able to deliver a daily supply of ice cream 
and fruit to the hospital during the period of need. 
Sincere expressions of gratitude came to him from 
the members of the Medical Staff for this service. 

343 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Through the activity of the Comforts Forwarding 
Committees at various other points bathrobes, con- 
valescent gowns, and other much-needed garments 
were supplied to the hospitals at this time. 

From among countless others the following testi- 
monies have been chosen as representative of the 
healing work accomplished at this period. 

"To whom it may concern: 

"I wish to express my gratitude for the benefits I have 
receded through Christian Science, especially for a wonder- 
ful demonstration which I have but recently had. 

"On the evening of November 28, 1918, I felt very ill and 
as I am a member of a military organization, was required 
to report to the medical authorities. There I was told that I 
had a very high fever and was suffering from laryngitis. I 
was ordered to bed, rapidly becoming worse till I was de- 
lirious. The medical authorities then pronounced my illness 
as being pneumonia. 

"I had read a little about Christian Science but had not 
advanced very far. It became known to our Camp Welfare 
Worker that I had been somewhat interested in Christian 
Science so he at once came to the hospital and asked if I 
wanted help. I answered, 'Yes.' 

"The third night after the Worker had first seen me, the 
doctor in charge made the assertion that I could not possibly 
live till morning, but the healing Truth triumphed and four 
days later the doctors declared me absolutely out of danger. 
The doctor in charge of my case made the statement to me 
that in all his practice, he had never seen so sick a man as I 
had been, become absolutely well. 

"The sickness left me without a trace of any other afflic- 
tion such as it often does. My healing was perfect. The doc- 
tors' only comment was that they could not understand it. 

"I am unable to express all the gratitude I feel for the 
many blessings I have received and also for the wonderful 

344 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

work the Christian Science War Relief Committee has done 
in our camp. In the reading room maintained by them, we 
have a nice, quiet place to study, write letters and read all 
authorized literature, which has been a great help. 

"Very sincerely, 

"Cpl. W. R. Hoppenstedt, 
"Hdqrts. Detach., 

"8th Reg., U. S. M. C." 

"Christian Science War Relief Committee, Boston, Mass. : 

"I am more than grateful for a healing of an attack of 
influenza, which took place last February. At that time I was 
located in a Marine camp at Galveston, Texas. It took con- 
siderable discretion to keep from being sent to the hospital 
for several weeks of confinement. This was avoided through 
the ever-ready helpfulness of the Camp Welfare Workers. 
They asked me to stay in their own home during the first 
afternoon I could get off from camp. I accepted their invita- 
tion and was at their home about the middle of the after- 
noon. By nine o'clock of that evening the perfect healing 
came and I walked back to camp knowing confidently that I 
was well. This is one of the many healings I received in camp 
which I am grateful for. 

"Fred R. Brooks, 

"Sgt., U. S. M. C, 

"Discharged. Nardin, Okla." 

"Christian Science War Relief Committee, Boston, Mass. : 

"I have been somewhat interested in Christian Science for 
about six years and have received some benefits from the 
study thereof, but it was not until after entering the army 
that I was brought to realize the great power of divine Love. 
"Recently I was obliged to go to the base hospital as I 
was suffering from double pneumonia. While there I was 
examined one evening by the assistant chief of staff and they 
decided that what was called fluid was on one of the lungs. 

345 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

They said that I should be X-Rayed the next morning to 
determine at what point the operation of aspirating should 
take place. 

"A few minutes later the Christian Science War Worker 
came to see me. He told me to remember the fact that God was 
closer to me than the air I was breathing and that nothing 
could affect me but good and that he would give me treatment. 

"The next morning when I was X-Rayed there was not any 
indication whatever of fluid, and there was no operation. 

"I am very grateful for the blessings given me through 
Science and I trust that each day will bring me to more fully 
understand the Truth as obtained through the teachings of 
Christian Science. 

"Joseph Fidel, 

"Camp Lewis, Washington." 

"Christian Science War Relief Committee, Boston, Mass. 

"Dear Brethren: I thank you most sincerely for the com- 
fort received through your splendid Committee in a recent 
experience. 

"Our son was in training camp near Boston, and we re- 
ceived word that he was in the hospital, a victim of the recent 
epidemic. Having had no further news for some days, and 
with the papers telling of so many cases of fatalities, we felt 
we must know how he was. I wrote to the Editors of the 
Christian Science periodicals, and my request was handed 
by them to your most worthy Committee. I at once received 
a message that our son was well enough to be leaving with 
his company for a flying field in the South. 

"There is no Christian Science organization in the little 
frontier town where we are living at present and I had not 
known of the work before this experience. I am enclosing a 
check to help further this work of love." 

"I wish to express my gratitude for Christian Science 
especially during the time I was in the army. During a year's 
service I had many proofs of the protection of divine Mind. 

346 




A Christian Science service at Camp Hancock, Georgia 




!.« Pf, ^ 


" ^ 


mmfm 



Interior views, Christian Science War Relief Building, 
Camp Hancock, Georgia 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

"One healing I wish to tell about was during the so-called 
influenza epidemic. I was stationed in an embarkation camp 
awaiting orders to start overseas. These orders were received 
and we boarded the transport, but after two days and a 
night out we were brought back, the reason being that the 
epidemic had broken out on board. 

"I was placed in the hospital with many others and was 
said to be in a very serious condition. As soon as possible I 
had one of the boys in my company call up the Camp Wel- 
fare Worker and ask him to come to me, which he did, making 
the trip at night. 

"In the meantime, I had been placed out on the porch 
where all the hopeless cases were cared for and was not ex- 
pected to live. Through the kindness of the nurse, the Wel- 
fare Worker was allowed to come to my cot. Work was done 
and the healing was instantaneous. 

"In two days I was released from the hospital in a normal 
condition but was later placed in what was called the observa- 
tion ward because the doctors could not understand how I 
had recovered so quickly. I spent twenty days in this ward, 
perfectly well, during which time the Welfare Worker visited 
me often, always bringing me a good supply of literature, 
for which I was thankful. 

"I wish to express my appreciation of the good work done 
in the camps where I was stationed by the Christian Science 
Camp Welfare Workers. They were always willing and 
ready. 

"Herman F. Grant, 

"Los Angeles, California." 

From the innumerable letters at hand the following 
have been chosen as typical of what was done for men 
who were not Christian Scientists before entering the 
service, but who, through physical or spiritual need, 
turned to Science for help. 

347 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"It is a pleasure to be able to add my testimony to those 
of the many who have found cause for gratitude for the 
Christian Science Camp Welfare work. 

"I was stationed at Camp Johnston in Florida. Before 
entering the army I knew nothing of Christian Science. A 
lecture was given in Jacksonville, which made me realize that 
this was the sort of religion I had been seeking. I borrowed 
a copy of Science and Health from the camp library, but 
after reading it I did not feel that I had been benefited. I 
knew, however, that the fault was mine. 

"About two months later a Christian Science Welfare 
Worker was stationed at my camp and one day he and his 
wife called at my barracks for me. I was given a copy of 
Science and Health, a Quarterly, a Song Book and several 
pamphlets. The Workers assured me of their desire to help 
any one interested, to a fuller understanding and realization 
of the benefits to be derived from Christian Science. They 
very kindly explained to me many points which had troubled 
me. The remainder of my stay in camp was made pleasant 
by their friendship and untiring interest in my welfare. 

"I was given treatment and cured of a stomach and bowel 
trouble which I had come to believe was chronic and incur- 
able. Glasses which had been worn for years became unneces- 
sary and were laid aside. The desire to smoke left me, much 
to my surprise, as I was smoking almost continually and 
believed that I received pleasure from it. Many other minor 
troubles disappeared and every problem connected with my 
work seemed to be solved with benefit to me. 

"The weekly meetings were a source of comfort and in- 
spiration. They were well attended and greatly enjoyed by 
the boys who were interested in Science. I am deeply grateful 
for all the benefits I have received and give thanks for the 
love which made possible the work of the Christian Science 
Camp Welfare Committee. 

"John W. Farr, 

"Lowell, Mass." 
348 



V 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

"I want to express my gratitude to God for healing I re- 
ceived while in Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas. At first the 
doctors at the base hospital said it was necessary that I be 
operated on for hernia. Then it was decided that my physical 
condition would not allow me to undergo an operation, 
asthma and consumption being the other ailments. On meet- 
ing the Camp Welfare Worker, I asked him if anything 
could be done for me and he, of course, explained that every- 
thing was possible with God. My healing took place in a few 
days and from that day to this I have never seen the hernia, 
nor felt any effect from the other so-called diseases. I also 
was troubled with a stomach complaint before leaving home, 
which has disappeared. 

"Since my return I have put on weight so rapidly and look 
so well that all my friends remark what good, the army has 
done for me, but I know that it is my faith in God and the 
light I have gained through Christian Science which, has 
brought this improvement. I make the best use of the little 
khaki Science and Health, reading it every morning on my 
way to work. My wife is also greatly interested. I am very 
grateful to God and to our Leader. 

"G. E. Mayhew, 
"Chicago, Illinois." 

The following was written direct to a Worker : 

"I was taken to the naval base hospital on November 28, 
1918, with spinal meningitis. This is considered to be a very 
deadly disease, in 1918 ninety-five out of a hundred cases 
proving fatal. I lay suffering in its worst agonies for nine 
days. I did not know at the time even that you had been 
there, for I was too far gone. My mother, who was by my 
bedside, told me you had promised to do some work for me. 
On the next day after your visit my suffering* left entirely 
and it was only a short time before I was out of bed. I have 
had the quickest recovery on record and am today sound 
and whole in every sense of the word. Indeed, so good is my 

349 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

condition that I will be sent back to duty, whereas the others 
will get medical discharges from service. 

"Christian Science has worked wonders for me and shown 
me the truth. I am banishing what we term fear and feel 
that armed with this new truth I can cope with everything. 

"Earl P. Andrews, 

"Atlanta, Georgia." 

"I am indeed thankful for the great healings which came 
to me while in the army through Christian Science. To Mrs. 
Eddy, the author of Science and Health with Key to the 
Scriptures, I owe a great debt of gratitude. 

"According to materia medica I had lost my reason and 
was put behind bars with others of my fellow comrades. 
When I asked for an interview with the attending surgeon I 
was refused, and for a couple of days I was made to mop the 
floor, do kitchen work and carry heavy bundles of linen, 
under guard. 

"Prior to this I had attended a Christian Science service 
and had been given a copy of Science and Health. The 
attendants seeing I had it, instructed me not to read it and 
tried to take it away from me. 

"In the meanwhile I got in touch with the Camp Welfare 
Worker. He visited me and explained man's relation to God, 
telling me : 'Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make 
you free.' In this ward were three boys, two of whom were 
often in the strait-jacket, who always wanted to know who 
the man was that came to visit me. I told them and through 
the Camp Welfare Worker they also were beautifully healed. 

"During this time a large boil appeared on my face, which 
was very painful. The Camp Worker noticing it, asked me 
if I wanted help. After treatment all pain left me, proving 
that 'There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in 
matter' (Science and Health, page 468). 

"My healing was so complete that my commanding officer 
recommended me to be raised to a higher rank. 

"Since leaving the service Christian Science has helped me 

350 



■PHI pj^iwnrijgMgiHjiT, JjftL^Jrf 2Ct' i .' '■ 

chSsSSsoBSB 




I I 1 jy 


-M 


^1B1» 



The Little Cottage by the Lake, Camp AVheeler, Georgia 




Christian Science Building, Camp Fremont, California 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

out in many problems. For the literature, the services and 
the help received, I am very grateful. 

"Deveney Gerald Wilson, 

"Dallas, Texas." 

"While I was serving in France as a lieutenant in the 118th 
Engineers an arterial tumor developed, medically known as 
an aneurism of the aorta, supposedly due to the exertion 
and exposure of the service. The best medical authorities of 
the army, both in Europe and America, declared that the 
case was incurable and that they could not do anything to 
relieve it. I had long been friendly to Christian Science, as 
my wife has been a student for years and I had been im- 
pressed with the air of progressiveness and success of the 
average Scientist, but there had never seemed to be a suffi- 
ciently urgent reason for me to study Christian Science until 
the army physicians in France told me that they could not 
heal me and advised me to put my affairs in as good shape 
as possible, as they did not expect me to survive the trip 
home. 

"I then began reading in earnest the vest-pocket edition 
of Science and Health, which had been given me by the War 
Relief Committee, and was helped by Scientists in my com- 
pany. Also I met a Y. M. C. A. Secretary who, when he 
found that I had been given up by the physicians, recom- 
mended Science, without knowing that I was already study- 
ing it. With the help mentioned, I made a safe return trip 
and at the base hospital to which I was assigned in this 
country, I came directly in contact with the Christian Science 
War Relief work. My recovery has been a marvel to the 
army specialists, and a large number of them examined me 
before I was discharged. At a meeting of one of the examining 
boards, soon after my return, one officer expressed surprise 
that I got back alive, so I told them that it was due to Chris- 
tian Science. I am glad to say that I received only the best 
and most considerate treatment after, as well as before, my 
avowal of Christian Science help. 

351 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"There is still much to be accomplished but the over- 
coming of fear, weakness and distress has been very con- 
vincing and inspiring. I am glad to tell what Christian Sci- 
ence has done for me and of the help I have received through 
the Christian Science War Relief Committee, both to express 
my gratitude and in order to benefit others. 

"Robert James Weston, 

"San Antonio, Texas." 

The letters which follow are of unusual interest, 
showing as they do, the experiences of three men, in 
diiferent branches of the service, who are convinced 
that their understanding of Christian Science pre- 
served them from danger and brought them through 
situations of grave peril to safety and health. 

"Christian Science came into my life a short time before 
I joined the United States naval service, but the actual 
study of this Science did not commence until about the time 
I was called into active duty, two years ago. Instead of the 
hardship and unpleasantness which seemed to be my portion 
in the early days of the war, gradually a change took place 
in conditions, until, at the time of discharge, I could look 
back and say, 'I am most grateful for my period of service 
during the war,' for it gave me an understanding of Christian 
Science, a demonstrable knowledge of it, a changed outlook 
on life, a new hope. Gratitude fills my heart each time this 
period comes to thought. 

"During the early days of the war I was put on one of 
the German vessels, taken over by our government to be con- 
verted and used for carrying troops over to the other side. 
At that time the work seemed very hard and laborious, espe- 
cially as previous to that period I had had no experience of 
that sort. We would work all day and sometimes late into 
the night carrying heavy crates, barrels and boxes contain- 
ing supplies for the ship. At that time too, it seemed as 

852 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

though I was not enjoying good health, so conditions soon 
seemed to become unbearable. However, I continued to read 
at any spare time I had and the thought came to me to do 
the work in hand the best I could and to know that faithful 
work would surely bring its own reward. And it did, for 
one day a chaplain came aboard and as Christian Science 
teaches us to be helpful in any way we can, I offered my 
services to do his typewriting or anything which might be 
helpful to him. About two days afterward he sent for me 
and in a short time I was made his assistant, helping to 
provide entertainment and amusement for the soldiers we 
were carrying across, as well as the crew. This proved to be 
a most congenial employment. 

"About a year ago, while returning from one of our voy- 
ages abroad, we were torpedoed by a German submarine, 
about nine o'clock in the morning, nearly six hundred miles 
from the French coast. As was my custom in the morning, 
I had been reading some of the literature, when a short time 
before the first torpedo struck, something prompted me to 
go to the other end of the ship, which leading I obeyed. A 
few minutes later a torpedo struck the vessel only a short 
distance from where I formerly had been, killing several men. 

"By this time our general alarm signal had been given, 
which meant for us to go to our lifeboat station, and only 
a few seconds after I obeyed this order, another torpedo 
exploded not far from the spot where I had just been, accom- 
plishing its errand of destruction. 

"The ship by this time was listing considerably and be- 
coming rapidly filled with water, the order was given to 
abandon ship, which we did, and in the short space of twenty- 
seven minutes, one of the largest of the American transports 
was swallowed up by the waves. 

"We floated around in the water for about three-quarters 
of an hour, when an object, which looked. like a sail, made its 
appearance upon the horizon and as it drew nearer we per- 
ceived it to be the submarine which had fired on us, returning 

353 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

to see to what extent it had accomplished its unholy purpose. 
It circled round about the lifeboats and rafts several times 
looking for our captain and not being able to find him, evi- 
dently decided to follow other plans. The officers motioned 
to the lifeboat in which I happened to be to come alongside 
and tie up to them, which order we obeyed. After making our 
officer in charge a prisoner and taking our pictures, they 
gave, the order to shove off, which we did with alacrity. Then 
the}' calmly proceeded to load up their gun and make every- 
thing in readiness to fire. They took what appeared to be 
perfect aim at our lifeboat. It seemed the end. Complete 
silence reigned, and the boys, with white faces, waited for the 
shot which would end this phase of mortal existence. During 
this time it seemed to me that I could realize only short, 
incoherent snatches of truth, but in this grave moment the 
thought came to me: 'Be not afraid, these Germans are, in 
truth, as much God's children, perfect ideas, as you Ameri- 
cans. All God's ideas, even now, are in perfect unity and 
God's ideas cannot work to destroy one another but work 
together to help each other in love.' Afterwards I learned 
that at least one other of my comrades had been trying to 
realize the truth at that time. The shot was never fired, but 
instead the submarine soon submerged. 

"It was getting late in the afternoon and there was no 
sign of anything, upon that mighty expanse of ocean. Hour 
after hour passed and toward dusk, our captain had all the 
lifeboats and rafts tied together to make things as safe as 
possible and there upon the broad bosom of the sea, beneath 
the stars we waited, not knowing what was in store for us, 
but knowing that the good God who had cared for us during 
all the day, would not leave us in the blackness of the night. 
About one o'clock the following morning, a light blinked 
near us. At first we thought it was another submarine, but 
it proved to be two American destroyers which had picked 
up the wireless S. O. S. from another ship in the convoy and 
had come to our rescue. 

354 




Christian Science War Relief Building, Camp Mills, New York 




In the Reading Room at Camp Mills, New York 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

"After two days on the destroyers we finally arrived back 
in France, where the lads suffering from exposure and 
wounds, were sent to the hospital, but not one of the four 
students of Christian Science aboard our ship was injured 
in the slightest way. As for myself, I had not even got my 
feet wet during the entire experience. 

"When we landed back in America, after our journey, I 
soon learned that there was a Christian Science War Relief 
Room in that port, and it was my greatest desire to secure 
a new Science and Health, Bible and Quarterly. When I went 
in one of the Workers, seeing I had not come to write, asked 
if he could be of any assistance and when I asked for the 
books and related how I had lost my others, he remarked, 'It 
would indeed be a pleasure to give you a new set.' 

"All I can say is thanks be to God for this wonderful 
Truth, for Jesus the Wayshower, and for our beloved 
Leader. 

"Eugene A. Oppenheim, 

"Hoboken, New Jersey." 

"I am very appreciative of the broad thought and kindli- 
ness of the Christian Science Board of Directors and all who 
supported the Christian Science Camp Welfare Committee 
and made this work possible. It has helped the army at 
the front. It has helped those in the rear. It has helped in 
the camps at home. It has helped the men in the hospitals. 
It has shown Christian Science to the world. 

"The welfare work in this country was carried on in the 
most efficient way in order to prepare those seeking help for 
the great trials and corresponding demonstrations of Truth 
overseas. This work was done in such a loving manner and 
the daily visits were so helpful that all of our needs, while 
in camp, were met. We were supplied with Science and Health 
and other literature when we needed them most, and were 
assisted along the paths of Truth by the Workers. 

"The Christian Science services were of the greatest benefit, 

355 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

also the Camp Welfare Rooms with their wealth of literature. 
All who were interested in the study of Christian Science at 
the camps became acquainted through the meetings and met 
at the homes of the Workers. This proved to be a great 
blessing at the front, where no Science help was available. 
It allowed us to consult one another, to assist one another, 
and to lend and borrow Christian Science publications. After 
three months at the front, when I was finally stationed where 
there were Welfare Rooms, it was a great happiness to enjoy 
the regular Christian Science services. It was like arriving 
at home again. The generous help of the Workers cannot be 
adequately described. Many have told me of assistance given. 
I myself was helped to find my right activity and the proper 
attitude towards my work. 

"As a regimental commander I had charge of the equip- 
ping and transportation of thirty-three hundred men for 
overseas duty. This was done without the least trouble and 
with the lowest sick rate. On board the transport a case of 
scarlet fever was found, and the fear of the spread of it was 
met by the thought, 'Divine Love casts out all fear.' None of 
the so-called contacts ever manifested the slightest sign of 
the disease. Likewise, the almost immediate trip across 
France was accomplished without mishap, through constant 
reliance upon omnipotent Mind. 

"While I was instructing some men in the firing of gre- 
nades, a rifle tromblon from which these rifle grenades are 
discharged, was blown to fragments. Instantly came the 
thought of great thankfulness that our protection was with 
the Lord; for not one of the ten men standing about was 
hurt, although large fragments of the grenade and dis- 
charger were found all about us. 

"In September of last year, my division was selected to 
participate in the initial drive in the Argonne. Here again 
the demonstrations of the power of Christian Science were 
almost hourly in occurrence. I was constantly led aright. My 
duties at one time required me to find the positions of some 

356 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

machine gun emplacements in the front lines in the dark, 
without a guide. This was accomplished without great diffi- 
culty, by knowing that the problem was a purely mental one, 
and that man is controlled by divine intelligence. 

"When the orders came for the assault of the German 
lines, I was enabled to work continuously for several days 
and nights with little or no sleep. On the third day of the 
drive, my immediate superior having been injured, I was 
placed in command of the regiment. Turning to God, the 
unfailing source of help, I was able to work out aU of the 
many problems that arose. 

"On the night before we were relieved I was called to 
Brigade Headquarters from the front. A heavy fire of Aus- 
trian eighty-eight shells was sweeping the road which I must 
follow to keep my direction. Having constantly in mind the 
scientific application of the 91st Psalm, I accomplished the 
trip. My clothes were torn somewhat by the shells; but no 
injury came to me. On returning to my headquarters I was 
again hit by shells. This time the blows were so hard as to 
render me unconscious for several hours ; but again I was not 
hurt, beyond feeling the force of the blows of the shell frag- 
ments, which did not penetrate my body. Upon reaching my 
headquarters I was informed that I had again been sent for 
by the Commanding General. I made the trip again under 
the same conditions, and was again uninjured, although my 
clothes were very much torn and one of the staff remarked 
that my first-aid packet, worn on my hip, had been shot away. 

"I owe my deliverance to Christian Science. This was not 
only true in my own case, but in that of every one of those 
near me whose dependence was on God in these hours of peril. 
Not one of them was injured. 

" 'Whatever holds human thought in line with unselfea 
love, receives directly the divine power.' (Science and Health, 
page 192.) 

"(Signed) Karl I. Best, 

"(Late) Lt. Col. Infantry A. E. F." 
357 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"During the many months I have been with the colors I 
have had great cause to be grateful for the beneficence of 
The Mother Church and the branch churches around the 
world. 

"While doing duty with my regiment on the western front 
in France we were caught in a barrage. After several hours 
with my comrades falling all around me, I too fell exhausted ; 
but with these words on my lips, 'Here, Lord, I fall in Thy 
arms,' and repeating the Scientific Statement of Being from 
Science and Health, together with a verse from the 91st 
Psalm, 'A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand 
at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee.' 

"When I regained consciousness I was in a field hospital, 
receiving the best of attention and recovering from the effects 
of poisonous gases. Later, together with two hundred other 
disabled soldiers and convalescents, I was placed aboard the 
steamer Mount Vernon bound for the United States. Some 
two hundred miles out from port we encountered a nest of 
German submarines and were torpedoed, the shot striking 
amidship. Taking my place in the lifeboat, I began to realize 
that divine Love is present at sea as well as on land and 
protects all His children. When I opened my eyes it was to 
behold the love that exists between the overseas boys and the 
sailors, for the marines took big men in their arms, carried 
them up a flight of stairs and tenderly placed them in life- 
boats. There was no excitement. The enginemen were able 
to disconnect the broken boilers, resume steam in the others, 
and we returned to port under our own steam. 

"I was treated at three different army hospitals in the 
United States. After many examinations and X-Ray pictures, 
materia medica diagnosed my case as pulmonary tuberculosis, 
active in the upper lobes, caused by the poisonous gases I 
had inhaled. They administered maximum treatment without 
appreciable results and apparently did not understand the 
case. I asked for Christian Science treatment which was 
cheerfully given and my improvement was very rapid. The 

358 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

speedy recovery was even a greater mystery to the doctors 
and they were very slow to concede it. Here again Christian 
Science freed me, for I was finally passed by a board of 
doctors and given my discharge. 

"It is with a heart full of gratitude to the Christian Sci- 
ence War Relief Worker, that I remember the journey he 
made from a distant city to come to me; and I am most 
grateful to the others who throughout my confinement in the 
hospitals have always been my kindest friends. When I 
seemed to be despondent, the War Relief Worker was there 
with his word of cheer and was ready with his car to take me 
to and from the services on Sundays and Wednesdays. For 
all these blessings I will ever give thanks to God, and be 
grateful for our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, who gave 
to the world this blessed truth through which I have been 
saved. 

"Sgt. Leo K. Brough, 
"E Co., 4th Engrs." 

It is pleasing to be able to sajr a word also about 
the cordial cooperation and sincere appreciation our 
Workers received in almost every instance from the 
representatives of other welfare organizations. 

Says a Y. M. C. A. Secretary at Hempstead, Long 
Island : 

"Dear Sir : Just a few lines to speak of my appreciation of 
your work in the camps. 

"I think from a disinterested standpoint, and yet from the 
standpoint of one who has felt the spirit of cooperation, that 
the work conducted by the Christian Science Camp Welfare 
League is to be commended in the highest terms. 

"From my own observation I desire to say that I have seen 
no indication of any attempt at an introduction of secta- 
rianism, but your work appears to be marked by a willingness 
to serve the boy in uniform, regardless of sect or creed. 

359 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"As a minister of another denomination, I have no hesita- 
tion in expressing my opinion thus unreservedly. 
"With every best wish for your success in the work, 

"Sincerely yours, 

"W. Norman Lib by, 

"Building Secretary, Y. M. C. A." 

The Post Chaplain at Paris Island, South Carolina, 
writes : 

"Gentlemen: It gives me great pleasure to tell you of the 
excellent work that your representative has been doing in 
our Camp on Paris Island. He has been very courteous and 
tactful in all his relations with the authorities. His ministry 
to the men has been most gracious and has been very much 
appreciated. In every way, he has contributed to the inspira- 
tion of the men and has been building them up in faith in God 
and in devotion to the cause of righteousness. 

"With much personal appreciation of the Worker as a 
friend, I am. 

"Yours sincerely, 

"George S. Rentz." 

The librarian of the A. L. A. branch at Camp 
Lewis, Washington, sends this hearty commendation : 

"Gentlemen: Permit me to say a word in appreciation of 
the fine work of your Committee. I consider your work in 
Camp Lewis one of the most active and potent factors among 
civilian efforts to maintain the morale of our citizen army. 
Maintaining morale is only a question of preserving a normal 
attitude of mind, which in turn means making a soldier's life 
as nearly like that to which he has been accustomed as is 
possible and consistent with the service. This seems to have 
been the theory upon which your work has been based and 
your success has been marked. 

"Your Workers here have been devoted and untiring, arid 

360 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

in the time they have been here they have accomplished won- 
ders. They are cheery people, whom to meet is a pleasure and 
to know a privilege, and many there are in camp who know 
them. Your little building is without exception the most 
homelike place I have seen in camp. You can little guess what 
a fireplace and 'real' furniture, a rug on the floor and a 
picture on the wall, mean to a soldier. They are precious 
things, once lost, now found again. 

"Permit me to offer you my congratulations and best 
wishes for your continued success. 

"Very truly yours, 

"Albert R. Powell, 

"Assistant at the Camp Library." 

The representative of the Jewish Welfare Board 
at Camp Mills writes to our Worker there : 

"My dear Sir : Since I expect to leave on Wednesday next 
for a period of about a month, may I take this opportunity 
of again assuring you that my associates, who will be in 
charge of the work during my absence, hold themselves in 
readiness at all times* to serve and cooperate in every way 
possible. 

"It has been a genuine pleasure to work with you, particu- 
larly since your interpretation of service has been one, not 
alone of service to Christian Scientists, but to all men in 
khaki. This feeling I know is shared by the various agencies 
in camp and it is no longer a question that the work you are 
doing is a decided contribution to all welfare work. Your 
building is popular, your interest in the men genuine and 
your personality — the reason for it all. 

"Keep up the good work and don't hesitate to make us 
prove that we are with you — heart and soul. 

"Very sincerely yours, 

"Arthur K. Deutsch, 

"Field Representative in Charge." 
361 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

A Red Cross director says: 

"1. On behalf of the two hundred and fifty boys who have 
been confined to the hospital at Fort George Wright, those 
unfortunate ones who have passed and those happy ones who 
are Avell or convalescing, permit me to thank you and through 
you, the members of the War Relief Committee for the splen- 
did aid rendered during the Emergency Epidemic at this 
post. 

"2. The liberal quantity of fruits, preserves, jellies, grape 
juice, etc., furnished by your organization contributed im- 
measurably to the comfort and welfare of the sick and eased 
the suffering of those poor patient boys whom we lost. The 
generous, willing help in nursing, letter writing, and janitor 
work, which was given without evidence of pride or reserve 
by the many kind friends sent to the hospital by your Com- 
mittee, relieved a situation which, without this aid, would 
necessarily have been most acute. 

"3. Will you kindly convey the assurance of my sincerest 
appreciation to all those who gave of their time and energy 
through you as Camp Representative and who, in their splen- 
did spirit of unselfishness, have neither sought nor received 
personal credit or thanks. 

"Cordially and sincerely yours, 
"R. C. Steeple, 

"Field Director, A. R. C." 

At a time when there was some talk that others 
wished to restrict the activities of this Committee, 
many officers were willing to go on record as believing 
that the Christian Science War Relief Committee was 
a helpful organization, whose activity they desired to 
see continued. Several of the letters written at this 
time follow: 

"Dear Sir : I wish to thank you for the kindness extended 
to me since coming to this camp. I am also very thankful 

362 




Christian Science Building, Camp Kearny, California 




Ready for the service, Camp Kearny, California 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

for the help I have received through the medium of the Chris- 
tian Science Welfare Committee in the form of literature, 
Sunday services, etc. 

"Although I am not a member of the Christian Science 
Church, I have been the recipient of all these favors, for 
which I am very grateful. 

"The Christian Science Welfare work has been an agency 
for good in this Camp to many others besides myself, and is 
conducted altogether along non-sectarian lines. 

"I hope that this work can be continued in the army camps 
in this country and abroad, because of the good it is bringing 
to our soldiers. 

"Sincerely yours, 

"David S. Patterson, 

"2d Lieut., 16th Cavalry, U. S. A." 

"I have not been in this camp a very long time but while 
I have been here I have been struck with the quiet restfulness 
of your welfare building and the cheerful atmosphere of help- 
fulness that pervades it. I have also observed your readiness 
to assist any soldier in any way, both in your building and 
throughout the camp. I have heard it said that when there 
was an important service to be rendered or quick trans- 
portation needed about camp the Christian Science car was 
always at everyone's service. And I would like to thank you 
on behalf of my men and myself for what you are doing for 
the morale of the army, or in other words — 'for the good of 
the service.' 

"William R. Randall, 

"1st Lieut., Inf., U. S. A." 

"1. Concerning the value of the activities of the Worker 
at this Camp, I desire to say that in the distribution of The 
Christian Science Monitor he is doing a work of great merit 
and value to all officers and men, from a non-sectarian stand- 
point. 

363 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"2. His personal touch with those of Christian Science 
belief is a real personal service of great value. The Christian 
Science faith is so entirely different from other beliefs that 
men who are in trouble naturally seek, and should be entitled 
to, contact with persons of their own way of thinking. 

"3. Personally I should be extremely sorry to see the 
Worker's activities brought to a close for any reasons what- 
ever. 

"J. B. Chaffey 
"Major, Q. M. C." 

"1. Having been stationed at Camp Wheeler with the 31st 
Division where I observed the activities of the Christian Sci- 
ence War Relief and Camp Welfare Committee for about a 
year, and also for one and a half months in Hoboken, New 
Jersey, I feel that I can heartily endorse their work. 

"2. Their camp reading rooms provide facilities for read- 
ing, writing, and lectures, aid in cases of distress, and enter- 
tainment for soldiers and their friends. 

"3. I am not a member of this faith, but I have been 
greatly impressed by their generosity, earnestness, and their 
excellent welfare work. 

"H. L. Butler, 

"Lieut. Col., U. S. A." 

At the beginning of this chapter the healing work 
accomplished by the War Relief Committee was 
mentioned as being first in interest to Christian 
Scientists. Second, perhaps of equal importance, has 
been the effect of the War Relief activities upon the 
Christian Science movement as a whole. 

Christian Scientists have sometimes been charged 
with being self-centered and lacking in interest in 
that which concerns the general welfare. While they 
themselves knew the falsity of such statements it is, 

364 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

nevertheless, cause for gratitude that such miscon- 
ceptions have been largely corrected in public thought 
by the war time activities of our movement. As one 
of our State Committees has phrased it : 

"The community of interest which was made manifest in 
the effort to carry the message of Truth to soldiers and 
sailors has brought out permanently the thought and ideal 
of the brotherhood of man. It has been a source of gratifica- 
tion everywhere to know that our church has been able to 
stand before the community as a Church Militant in a great 
cause." 

Another note of gratitude is added by the Com- 
mittee who wrote: 

"The Christian Scientist not only found that he could 
enter the war work and still keep 'within the wide channels 
of The Mother Church' (Church Manual, page 45), but he 
learned the joy of giving. In this work many have been 
healed of the belief that only the activity of the branch 
church had any demands on them, and are grateful for a 
closer relationship and a clearer understanding of what The 
Mother Church stands for, thus gaining a broader sense of 
what a humanitarian is." 

More important than the attitude of the public at 
large towards Christian Science, is the good which has 
come to Christian Scientists themselves through this 
joint activity. One of our State Committees puts the 
matter very well in the following words : 

"The Christian Science movement in our state has expe- 
rienced immeasurable benefits, as a result of the War Relief 
activity. Not the least of these is the cordial cooperation 
and closer Christian fellowship that has been brought about 
through its agency. The churches and societies have re- 
sponded generously and cheerfully to the call for funds and 

365 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

help of various kinds. This willing and helpful spirit has 
served to unite hearts and hands in the maintenance and 
upbuilding of our beloved cause. As one church writes : 'The 
oneness of purpose in this work has developed a unity and 
friendliness between our neighbors and ourselves, which is 
one of the blessings not to be overlooked. The War Relief 
work has been a great blessing not only for the present but 
for the future. We are grateful for the channels provided 
by The Mother Church, through which our branch church 
has been able to express its love and gratitude and to demon- 
strate a better understanding of substance; which better 
understanding has been the impetus to raise our church 
debt during the next two years, instead of seven years, as 
the plan was before the War Relief work began.' Those 
churches and societies which have manifested the deepest 
interest in this War Relief work have noted an increased 
attendance at their Sunday services; a more spontaneous 
response to the invitation extended Wednesday evenings to 
give testimonies of healing through Christian Science; a 
larger attendance at lectures; a quickened activity in the 
Reading Rooms and in the distribution of the literature, as 
well as a more generous support, financially and otherwise, 
of all church activities." 

Another State Chairman writes: 

"The effect of the War Relief and Camp Welfare work 
upon the Christian Science movement in our state is the 
development of a consciousness of greater unity among 
Christian Scientists and a sense of power of action, the 
consciousness that we can, if called upon, do a great work 
well, each doing his part." 

Still another writes: 

"There has been a distinct broadening and quickening of 
spiritual thought here. This has come from the enlarged 
view of the true idea of brotherhood that was gained through 
acceptance of this opportunity for loving service to the 

366 










A Few of Our Boys 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

stranger within and without our gates, as well as those of 
our own household. Evidences of this are to be found in the 
closing up of the ranks where disunity had seemed to exist, in 
increased activity for the cause, in more spontaneity in testi- 
monies and in a growth of attendance at branch churches." 

Universal participation in the War Relief work 
was one of its most helpful features. On this point 
one Committee says : 

"Besides the activities in the organized branch churches 
of The Mother Church, individuals and groups of Christian 
Scientists in isolated parts of the state lovingly cooperated. 
Churches and societies both large and small expressed great 
joy that this privilege had come to them." 

The natural result of this unity of thought and 
action was in quickened activity throughout the Field. 
In one of our larger cities the sense of fellowship 
established by joint participation in War Relief 
work, together with a deeper gratitude for Christian 
Science, prompted a united effort to raise sufficient 
funds to dedicate all the church edifices in that city 
within a short period of time. 

The larger giving which was stimulated by the 
needs of the war work, quickened the sense of abun- 
dance in a church of another state and brought forth 
the following: 

"Since starting the War Relief fund and working out this 
problem of supply, our attendance has increased and we 
have been able to meet our regular expenses much more easily 
than before." 

Still another evidence of good resulting from the 
cooperative activity of Christian Scientists in work- 
ing for the War Relief Committee is contained in 
these words: 

367 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"Through the affiliation of the members of the State Com- 
mittee, which brought together each month representatives 
of the seven largest churches, and through the constant 
communication with all the churches and societies by corre- 
spondence and visits of the members of the State Committee, 
a fellowship and common purpose and interest now exist 
which will no doubt be perpetuated by means of the co- 
operative work throughout the state by the Literature Dis- 
tribution Committees which have now been organized by all 
the churches." 

Another Chairman writes along the same line: 

"A greater interest has been manifested in our periodicals 
by reason of this War Relief work, and I believe we have a 
better appreciation of the missionary work accomplished 
through a systematic and intelligent distribution of our lit- 
erature by our local organization." 

The outcome of this activity, roused and stimulated 
by the unselfish desire to bring the blessing of Chris- 
tian Science to the men in uniform, was inevitable. 
Services were inaugurated in many places where they 
had never previously existed. Informal organizations 
were established and in a few instances what had been 
informal gatherings became regularly organized 
churches or societies. The following cases will illus- 
trate this point: 

From Port Townsend, Washington, our Worker 
wrote : 

"I am happy to tell you that on last evening the Christian 
Scientists of Port Townsend voted to continue the War 
Relief Rooms as Christian Science Reading Rooms, and to 
organize a Christian Science church. The meeting was a very 
helpful one, a spirit of love and unity pervading all. We feel 
that the real church has appeared in consciousness and that 

368 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

we are building on Principle. I have promised to stay here 
two or three months and help get established; also I have 
offered my services in the Reading Rooms for that length 
of time, so there need be no break in the work already started. 
Tonight we hold our first civilian services and the indications 
are that we will have a crowd. I know you will rejoice with 
me over this unfoldment. It has occurred to me that the War 
Relief work was the bud and the new church the flower. . . . 
You will be glad to know that our first Sunday morning serv- 
ice was full to overflowing, several people having to sit on 
the window sill. After the service there were expressions of 
joy and thankfulness on every side for the new organization. 
Upon seeing all the chairs occupied and people filling the 
window sill, I realized that we would have to make different 
seating arrangements in the future, and you can imagine my 
joy at being approached after the service by some one whom 
I had not met before, who told me that he had about twenty- 
five folding chairs that we were welcome to use. This man 
proved to be the local undertaker. With our ex-gambling 
tables, our 'undertaking' chairs, and an ex-saloon converted 
into a church and Reading Room, we feel that we have indeed 
'turned swords into ploughshares,' " 

Of the work in Deming, New Mexico, a report 
says: 

"The value of the work in Deming and the surrounding 
country has been marvelous. There had been a small band 
of students here who had struggled along several years and 
many who were looking for proofs. As a result of the activi- 
ties the local congregation is now located in a store building 
which has been attractively decorated by the Sunday School, 
at small cost. The congregation bought and paid for the 
furnishings that were formerly in the Welfare Rooms and is 
now buying a piano. The attendance has increased notice- 
ably and there has been a great demand for work." 

369 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

In an Oregon report we read: 

"As a direct result of the Spruce Camp work one new Chris- 
tian Science Society has been formed and reported to us. 
Undoubtedly there are others formed as neighborhood groups 
that conduct a regular service in the way that so many socie- 
ties start, but which we have no means of knowing about. We 
cannot help feeling very sure that growth along this line will 
be externalized in the future out in the smaller places in our 
thinly peopled state." 

In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, there had been no 
organized Christian Science services. Our Worker at 
Camp Shelby wrote us in June, 1918 : 

"It is indeed a privilege to be able to inform you that 
during the past week the writer has been of service to the 
Christian Scientists here in Hattiesburg in getting them 
together for organized work. This morning we held the first 
Sunday morning service with an attendance of at least 
twenty, in the home of one of the Scientists and it was much 
appreciated by all." 

When the War Relief work at that camp was 
closed the Committee Room was turned over to the 
little group of local workers. They were presented 
with the books used in the Reading Room and pur- 
chased the furniture and fittings at a nominal sum. 
They wrote: 

"Through the spiritual uplift an3 encouragement thus 
realized we are going forward and shall, thanks to your 
great kindness, continue to keep the room in the Carter 
Building and meet there on Sundays and Wednesdays and 
every day in the Reading Room. The money for the furnish- 
ings has all been raised and was mailed to you day before 
yesterday. For this help, and also for the set of fourteen 
volumes, we thank you many, many times. The good seed 
has been sown here and, in appreciation, we shall endeavor 

370 



UNSELFISH LABOR REWARDED 

to be good reflectors of Truth and sow the seed to help 
others." 

In Alexandria, Louisiana, near Camp Beauregard, 
the work of the local Scientists received a great 
impetus through the advent of the War Relief Com- 
mittee. When the soldiers' room was closed the furni- 
ture, literature and supplies were presented to the 
Scientists for use in the Reading Room. In their reply 
they said: 

"We find ourselves quite unable to express our gratitude 
for this gift of Love. During the past year we have received 
such a wealth of comfort, inspiration and light through 
immediate contact with the activity of the War Relief work 
that we are indeed unspeakably grateful. This added gift of 
good conveys the idea of abundance better characterized in 
the words of the Master as 'good measure, pressed down, and 
shaken together, and running over.' " 

When the War Relief Committee first sent a 
Worker to Camp Wadsworth, South Carolina, rooms 
were opened in Spartanburg, a near-by town, and 
services were inaugurated to which the civilian Scien- 
tists were invited. There was much interest shown and 
the result has been the continuance of the work by the 
local Scientists who bought the equipment of the War 
Relief Room and are now holding their services in 
the room formerly occupied by the Committee. 

In Pennsylvania likewise an incident of this kind 
occurred. Rooms were opened by the Committee in 
Gettysburg for the use of the men training at Camp 
Colt. The civilians began to attend and interest in- 
creased. When the War Relief work came to an end, 
the State Committee wrote to the Scientists in Gettys- 
burg : 

371 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

"By unanimous vote, the State Committee of Pennsyl- 
vania contributes the furniture and all equipment belonging 
to the Committee that is in the room in the Kadel Building 
at Gettysburg, to the local Christian Scientists, to help them 
carry on the work that was begun there by the enlisted men 
of Camp Colt. We will ever consider this little Society our 
beloved child. Knowing that its growth will be sturdy, we 
send it forth with loving thoughts, and with gratitude that 
the privilege was ours to give this necessary equipment." 

The Chairman of the Texas Committee in one of 
his recent reports says: 

"One outstanding feature of the work along the Mexican 
Border has been to start a number of new unorganized 
Societies in places where there had never been any before, 
and the rejuvenation of others which had lapsed or were 
about to lapse. This was brought about largely by the fact 
that the passing of our car with the name of the Committee 
painted on the side caused those interested in Science to stop 
the Worker, and in a short time he was able to make these 
people acquainted with others in their town who were also 
interested but who had not known of the presence of other 
Christian Scientists there. 

"While helping to start the work on the Border, one in- 
stance of this kind came under my own observation. We had 
stopped at a garage in Mercedes, when we noticed a car 
draw up a few feet away. A lady got out and approached 
us. She lived just two miles from Mercedes, where a few 
Christian Scientists had been holding services in the home 
of one member, but she had been going to San Benito, eight- 
een miles away, because she knew nothing of the service in the 
town near at hand. 

"In another instance a Society had suspended services in 
January and their card had been removed from the Journal. 
There was a Border camp at this place and through letters 
to the former First Reader, interest was finally aroused in 

372 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Mrs. Annie Parker Mrs. Evelyn Smith 

Miss Margaret Philipson Mr. Charles W. Swift 

Miss Elizabeth Pierce Mrs. Marguerite Scott Till 

Miss Caroline M. Primrose Mrs. Alice Muriel Tripp 

Mrs. Violet Rhodes Mrs. Clara Waller 

Mr. Frederick R. Rhodes Mrs. Margaret Grant White 

Miss Mary L. Richmond Miss Kate Williams 

Lady Charlotte E. Rodney Miss Gladys Wheldale 

Miss Alice E. Rose Wilson 

Miss Roy Miss Lilia Witherby 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE ARMY CHAPLAINS 

William M. Bartlett Harry K. Filler 

Herbert W. Beck Don C. Gilman 

George R. Bonner Martin F. Jackson 

Walter S. Cross Gustavus S. Paine 

Edward W. Dickey Arthur C. Whitney 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE NAVY CHAPLAIN 
Richard J. Davis 

SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN FRANCE 
Arthur P. DeCamp 

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE WAR RELIEF COMMITTEE 

OF 
THE MOTHER CHURCH 

MANAGER ASSISTANT MANAGER 

Paul A. Harsch Arthur J. Wallace 

373 



CAMP WORKERS 

The following is a list of the Camp Workers and 
Welfare Room Attendants employed by the Christian 
Science War Relief Committee during the period be- 
tween November, 1917, and June, 1919. The rapid 
changes which the camp work sometimes demanded 
made it difficult to keep a full and accurate record 
of the Workers, but this list has been made as com- 
plete as the information at the disposal of the Com- 
mittee permitted. 



CAMP WORKERS— UNITED STATES 



Richard H. Allen 
Walter Lone Anderson 
Noblit A. Avery 
Levis C. Babcock 
William Pennington Baker 
W. S. Baker 
Quilter C. Ball 
Albert E. Belk 
Miss Simita Benatar 
M. L. Bidwell 
Franklin Blake 
H. Graham Bleakly 
Walter Thane Boy den 
Charles A. Brand 
Charles Henry Carby 
G. Herman Carl 
Leonard Tillotson Carney 
John Robert Carr 



Ralph Castle 
Herbert E. Cather 
Albert M. Cheney 
Joseph Coffer 
Jacob H. Cook 
Royal A. Cooke 
William E. Cooper 
George Henry Cox 
Henry H. Creighton 
Edward Earle Daniell 
Charles E. Davies 
Thomas Harold Dexter 
Louis E. Dill 
Arthur W. Eckman 
Durand Felter 
Harry K. Filler 
Benjamin L. Foster 
William 0. Freeman 



374 



CAMP WORKERS 



Mrs. Jeanette George 

William Templeton Giles 

Arthur J. Lee Gillard 

Harry C. Goddard 

William J. Govan 

Louis A. Gregory 

Henry Higby Gutterson 

Charles F. Hackett 

Mrs. Rosemary B. Hackett 

Mrs. Ida May Harvey 

Roy L. Harvey 

F. Carmon Herrick 

J. Grant Hinds 

Thelvin Howard Hobbs 

Adam O. Hoppes 

Fred W. Indermille 

John Paul Jones 

M. Phillip Jones 

Miss Irene Campbell I. Jones 

William Lawrence Keller 

William E. Kellogg 

Richard M. Kendall 

Mrs. Henrietta L. King 

Earl M. Knatvold 

Frank C. LeBlond 

Benjamin H. Leighton 

Melville C. K. Little 

Thomas W. Luce 

Arthur W. Marriott 

Herbert G. Mauch 

E. Perry Maxfield 

Mrs. Edith Gray Mayo 

Earl McCloud 

Clarence M. McDaniel 

Sidney S. Morgan 

John L. Mothershead 



Horace Ambrose Negus 
William Weaver Nott 
William Merritt Pardue 
Oscar Graham Peeke 
Elmer H. Pepper 
William H. Pevear 
Archie Benson Pickell 
Israel Pickens 
William Leander Post 
George Wilber Reed 
Joseph W. Reynolds 
Harry L. Rhodes 

B. A. Robison 
Clair D. Robison 
Charles J. Roesser 
O. Louis Saal 
Charles Sapp 
Samuel L. Schoenfield 
Charles F. Schram 
Mrs. Louise Severance 
Floyd C. Shank 
Charles F. Southworth 
John G. Spangler 
Mrs. Zilpha Ann Stack 
Mrs. Edith S. Stearns 
Robert S. Stearns 
Ralph W. Still 

Paul Stinchfield 
Henry G. Streight 
George H. Tangeman 
John Beach Tillotson 
Carl W. Tuerke 

C. Fred Verleger 

Mrs. Lillian G. Webster 
Robert L. Weed 
Lloyd E. Whitney 



375 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Robert A. Wood 

Mrs. Lora C. Woodbury 



Edward Hartley Willard 
Morris W. Wilsey 
Charles V. Winn 
Charles C. Wolcott 



Mrs. Laura C. Woodruff 
Fred Yould 



WELFARE ROOM ATTENDANTS— UNITED STATES 



Mrs. Marion G. Barney Miss 

Mrs. Sophie Affron Becker Miss 

Miss Una Bedichek Mrs. 

Mrs. G. Harriette Blake Mrs. 

Mrs. Amanda Bodine Mrs. 

Mrs. Mary E. Boyce Mrs. 

Miss Laura M. Burroughs Mrs. 

Miss Missouri Cawthon Mrs. 

Mrs. Helen Coffer Miss 

Mrs. Ella Cooke Mrs. 

Mrs. Mary S. Cowan Mrs. 

Mrs. Clara J. Cunningham Mrs. 

Mrs. Marguerite Dexter Mrs. 

Mrs. Hattie L. Edmondson Mrs. 

Mrs. Charlotte E. Filler Mrs. 

Mrs. Shirley Flager Mrs. 

Mrs. Benjamin L. Foster Mrs. 

Mrs. Birdella G. Foster Mrs. 

Mrs. Lillie C. Gibson Mrs. 

Mrs. Helen A. Gutterson Mrs. 

Dr. Meta Haley Mrs. 

Mrs. Kate C. Hamilton Mrs. 

Mrs. Alberta C. Hinson Mrs. 

Miss Hettie Hutchinson Mrs. 

Miss Emily Jones Mrs. 

Mrs. Paul Kamanski Mrs. 

Mrs. Gertrude M. Keller Mrs. 



Margaret B. Kinnane 
Mary E. Kline 
Scileta F. Langworthy 
Martha J. Loeber 
Gladys H. McCloud 
Evelyn Depew Miller 
Edith L. Morgan 
Eleanor L. Morgan 
Mary Radcliffe 
Emilie P. Reed 
Lucy Hays Reynolds 
Mattie E. C. Rhodes 
Charlie Salley Sanborn 
Elizabeth R. Saunier 
Charlotte Schoenfield 
Dora Searing 
Mary H. Seawright 
Helen L. Spangler 
Grace Nixon Stecher 
Flora Stinchfield 
Eunice Maud Talcott 
Mae D. Tangeman 
May Thompson 
Anna C. Tonielli 
Maude B. Whitehurst 
Marcia Wilson 
Zoe Z. Woolery 



376 



CAMP WORKERS 



WAR RELIEF WORKERS— FRANCE 



Miss Josephine E. Bowditch 

Mrs. Mary E. Young Brown 

William E. Brown 

Mrs. Anna McCoy Campbell 

Miss Agnes F. Chalmers 

Mrs. Edith M. Coffman 

Elbert G. Coffman 

Louis J. Dubois 

Mrs. Genevieve L. George 

Herbert M. George 



Mrs. Ida Nelson Higley 

Mortimer J. Higley 

Mrs. Edna H. Howe 

Irving B. Howe 

Everett W. Morgan 

Mrs. Elmina A. Potter 

Alden F. Potter 

Mrs. Caroline S. Rowell 

James G. Rowell 

Miss Bird Stewart Scotland 



WAR RELIEF WORKERS— CANADA 



Mrs. S. Cornfield 
S. Britton R. Foster 



Major H. B. Stairs 
Mrs. Alice Wheeler 



WAR RELIEF WORKERS— GREAT BRITAIN AND 

IRELAND 



Miss Kate E. Andreae 

Miss Mary Elizabeth Belcher 

Miss Evah Bolton 

Miss Burlingham 

Miss Amy J. R. Burton 

Miss Susan F. Campbell 

Mr. Eric Walter Carr 

Mrs. Christabel M. Charlton 

Mr. Samuel Clarke 

Miss Leonora de Vere Condon 

Mrs. Lily Mary Courtier 

Mr. Cousins 

Mrs. Annie M. Crawford 

Mrs. Florence Davies 

Miss Maud Fisher 

Miss Ellen Graham 



Miss Margaret J. Harding 
Miss Dorothy Eileen 

Heywood 
Miss Hicks 
Miss Florine M. Hill 
Miss Aimee Hochstetter 
Mrs. Eugenia E. Ingles 
Miss Jane T. Irvine 
Miss Amy J. Jasper 
Miss Mary Isabella 

Langrishe 
Mrs. Grace Crosland Lawson 
Miss Margaret A. Martin 
Mrs. Anne McAlister 
Miss Helen Mildred 
Miss Evelyn H. Newton 



377 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR 

Mrs. Annie Parker Mrs. Evelyn Smith 

Miss Margaret Philipson Mr. Charles W. Swift 

Miss Elizabeth Pierce Mrs. Marguerite Scott Till 

Miss Caroline M. Primrose Mrs. Alice Muriel Tripp 

Mrs. Violet Rhodes Mrs. Clara Waller 

Mr. Frederick R. Rhodes Mrs. Margaret Grant White 

Miss Mary L. Richmond Miss Kate Williams 

Lady Charlotte E. Rodney Miss Gladys Wheldale 

Miss Alice E. Rose Wilson 

Miss Roy Miss Lilia Witherby 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE ARMY CHAPLAINS 

William M. Bartlett Harry K. Filler 

Herbert W. Beck Don C. Gilman 

George R. Bonner Martin F. Jackson 

Walter S. Cross Gustavus S. Paine 

Edward W. Dickey Arthur C. Whitney 



CHRISTIAN SCIENCE NAVY CHAPLAIN 
Richard J. Davis 

SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN FRANCE 

Arthur P. DeCamp 

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE WAR RELIEF COMMITTEE 

OF 
THE MOTHER CHURCH 

MANAGER ASSISTANT MANAGER 

Paul A. Harsch Arthur J. Wallace 

378 



